A former politician and survivor of stroke is preparing to plunge into the icy depths of Antarctic waters to raise funds for a good cause.
Former Victorian Arts Minister, The Hon. Heidi Victoria will be travelling to the southernmost continent next month, as the documentary photographer on the Homeward Bound Women in STEMM leadership voyage.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip Heidi could have never imagined taking back in 2020, when she suffered a stroke at just 52-years-old.
“When the doctors told me what had happened, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I was young and healthy, and thought strokes only affected older people,” Ms Victoria said.
“I know how scary stroke can be. I am lucky that someone close to me recognised what was happening and called an ambulance.”
Heidi has made a full recovery and now uses her lived experience in her role as Government Relations Advisor at Stroke Foundation to help put stroke on the agenda for our nation’s politicians.
She’ll be taking the Polar Plunge as part of the organisation’s major annual fundraiser Stride4Stroke. The event sees participants set an activity goal to increase their daily moving minutes and lower their stroke risk while fundraising to prevent stroke, fund research and support survivors, like Heidi, through their recovery journey.
In preparation for the event, and to help familiarise herself which her surroundings, Heidi will be spending some time on the ice with the colony of king and gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
Claire Burrell, General Manager, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, expressed excitement about Heidi’s visit and her preparations for the Polar Plunge.
“We’re thrilled to have Heidi with us as she gears up for the Polar Plunge. Her time with our colony of king and gentoo penguins adds an exciting twist to her preparations and offers a glimpse of what’s to come in Antarctica.”
In Australia, a stroke occurs every 19 minutes. Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. There are more than 123,000 Australians of working age (18-64) living with the impact of stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy said alarmingly, one million strokes a year globally are linked to physical inactivity.
“Too many Australians are being impacted by stroke unnecessarily, and research tells us just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your stroke risk by 25 per cent,” Dr Murphy said.
“We’re so proud of Heidi for using her own experience with stroke for good, and for stepping outside her comfort zone. What Heidi is doing in Antarctica is an incredible achievement and a testament to the kind of person she is.”
