Childhood stroke sufferer riding 9000km to raise research funds

Stroke is something we typically associate with older people, but the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute says up to 600 Australian children suffer one every year.

In 2006, Tommy Quick was one of those children. Now aged 28, he’s cycling 9000km to raise money for the Stroke Foundation, and to prove that stroke survivors can live life to the fullest. “It’s good to get people talking and thinking about stroke. I want them to know it can happen at any age, but it does not mean your life is over,” he said.

Starting in Border Village, South Australia, his trip will take him to the furthest points north, east, south and west on the mainland. Earlier this week he reached his first goal, Steep Point, 374km by bike north of Kalbarri.

“It’s an enormous test mentally and physically, but I’m determined to give it my best shot. You’ve only got one life, so why not aim high,” he said.

The Victorian was only 12 when he suffered a severe stroke. Initially he thought he had a migraine and asked his mum for some aspirin.

He woke up five weeks later in hospital, having been in an induced coma.

From there, he had to learn how to eat, talk and walk again.

Sixteen years later, his speech is still slurred, and he has little function in his right arm.

His balance is also affected, meaning the whole trip is done on a three-wheel recumbent bike, which Mr Quick said was “easy, you just go slower”.

And 1500km in, he’s raised nearly $43,000. To donate, head to the4points.org.