A Margaret River woman is taking on a mammoth challenge in honour of her brother who died from stroke last year.
Cassie Hayward is taking part in Stroke Foundation’s 76km in May which helps support the 76 Australians who will experience their first stroke today, and every day.
Cassie has seen first-hand the devastation caused by stroke. Robert experienced two strokes, before dying from a brain aneurysm in September 2023.
“Robert was such a fighter, he had a never give up attitude and had to overcome so much, including diabetes and cancer,” Cassie said.
“To say I looked up to my big brother is an understatement. We should have been celebrating his 50th birthday later this week. Instead, we are marking each month since we lost him.”
To achieve her goal, Cassie and her partner Kirk, are walking their dog each morning. So far, she has raised more than $800 which will help Stroke Foundation prevent, treat and beat stroke.
“I hope to raise as much money as I can. I know Robert would be so proud of me, he always was. No matter what I did, he was my biggest cheer leader, and I was his,” she said.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy thanked Cassie for helping educate more people about stroke, while also lowering her own stroke risk.
“Walking 76km throughout the month of May averages out to a manageable 2.5km walk each day. The average walker will spend around 30 minutes to complete the 2.5kms,” Dr Murphy said.
“One million strokes a year globally are linked to physical inactivity. In fact, 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your stroke risk by 25 per cent.
“We’re so grateful to Cassie for playing her role in making more people aware of stroke. Every dollar raised helps us get one step closer to preventing more strokes, saving lives and enhancing recovery for more Australians,” Dr Murphy said.
An Australian has a stroke every 19 minutes. Around 44,000 survivors of stroke are living in Western Australia.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Australia. It kills more men than prostate cancer and more women than breast cancer.
Donate to the cause at the website: .
