The finish line is in sight for young survivor of stroke who has recently travelled 8,934km on a recumbent trike.
After conquering Australia’s four most extreme points via three wheels, Tommy now has just 900km more to go. It’s all part of his to educate Australians about the impacts of stroke in young people and to promote inclusion.
Tommy had a life-changing stroke when he was just 12-years-old which impacted him physically and affected his communication, but it has not stopped him from achieving great things or overcoming major challenges.
“It’s my goal to make sure everyone knows that stroke can happen to anyone, at anytime. Stroke is not something that just happens to the elderly,” he said.
“As part of my ride, I have been able to speak to hundreds of school students and break down some common misconceptions about disability and promote inclusion.”
The final leg of the tour will see Tommy and his family return to South Australia, near where he was hit by a car on his first attempt of ride, more than 3,000km into the journey.
The crash in November 2021 resulted in a shattered pelvis, fractured sacrum and broken leg. It tragically cut the trip short and forced Tommy to re-learn how to walk for a second time in his life.
“It will be pretty confronting returning to the crash site. But it will be liberating as well,” he said.
“I want people to know that if you fail at something, you can try again. Your goals don’t need to be reached in one day. It’s all about showing up and giving it your all.”
Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. There are 123,977 Australians of working age (aged 18-64) living with the impact of stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy will be showing her support for Tommy by joining him on the final stretch of the ride.
“What Tommy has been able to achieve, after months of intense rehabilitation is remarkable,” Dr Murphy said.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Tommy for what he has achieved. If his story has helped educate just one Australian that strokes can happen to people of all ages, and what to look for if they suspect a stroke, then Tommy has achieved what he set out to do.”
Tommy will kick off the final leg on October 2 in South Australia and will arrive back home in Melbourne on October 22.
He’s so far raised more than $100,000 for to help raise awareness of stroke and support survivors and their families.
Key figures from Tommy’s ride
- 8,934kms travelled on the trike
- 31,3666kms travelled in the support car
- 412 cups of coffee consumed
- 16 falls off the bike
- 2 topples over the bike
- 9 tyres changed
- 1 trip up Cape York was more than enough
