Hundreds of Western Australians are getting ready to take on a gruelling physical test to raise awareness of stroke.
The Nanga Challenge puts participants through their paces in the picturesque Lane Poole Reserve where they will complete a course involving kayaking through rapids, mountain biking and running cross country.
The sweat and hard work is for a good cause with money raised from this year’s event going towards stroke research and awareness.
Stroke is close to the hearts of event organisers at the Ascot Kayak Club. One of their members, 63-year-old Peter Liddle, had a stroke in February this year.
Peter had just finished a 17km paddle with his wife when he started feeling unwell.
“I noticed my left arm wasn’t working and I went to stand up and just fell over. Friends recognised something was wrong and told me I needed to go to hospital immediately.”
Peter went to hospital where it was discovered this was his third stroke.
The Baskerville resident admits he previously ignored the signs but is now using his experience to educate others.
“Don’t ignore little symptoms that you get. Don’t think you’re tough and can get through it. If you have any of the signs call triple zero immediately.”
Event organiser and Ascot Kayak Club Executive Committee member, Doug Hodson, hopes the Nanga Challenge will propel awareness.
” Prior to Peter’s stroke, our club had not been as aware of the risk of stroke as we needed to be so we wanted to change that which is why we’re doing this, we want to increase awareness.”
More than 2,700 first-time strokes will be experienced by residents in Western Australia this year. Stroke Foundation’s aim is to drive that number down through prevention.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Sharon McGowan, says regular exercise is crucial in reducing stroke risk.
” 80 per cent of strokes are preventable which means you can make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk. These changes include exercising regularly, although it does not have to be as rigorous as the Nanga Challenge, eating a healthy well-balanced diet, quitting smoking and reducing intake of alcohol. By making these changes you reduce your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes which are all modifiable risk factors of stroke.”
Ms McGowan says the Nanga Challenge is setting a great example.
“It’s so wonderful to not only see so many people supporting Stroke Foundation but to also see hundreds of Australians being active and enjoying the outdoors. What a tough and exciting challenge for the participants and I wish them all the very best.” Ms McGowan says.
Peter will be at the start line cheering on this year’s participants and hopes next year he will be ready to race.
“My message to the competitors is make sure you carry plenty of water, don’t push ahead if you feel unwell and good luck.”
