Tim has taken inspiration from the F.A.S.T. test, which highlights the signs of stroke, to create his own fundraising challenge for the Stroke Foundation.
The 52-year-old will tackle four runs in July and has called the challenge the FAST 4.
Tim will start with a 42-kilometre marathon around Vic Park this Saturday and after this he will then do a different distance each weekend - 5km, 10 km and finish with a half marathon.
Tim said he was passionate about raising awareness of stroke in the local community along with funds for programs to support stroke survivors and their families.
“I was shocked to learn there is one stroke every nine minutes in Australia,” Tim said.
“The disease strikes the brain, the human control centre, and can happen to anyone at any age.
“Each minute you wait for treatment, around 1.9 million brain cells die. This is why I want to share the F.A.S.T. (Face. Arms. Speech. Time.) signs of stroke. They could save a life.”
“I got the inspiration to do this from the Gold Coast marathon Big 4 virtual run that I have also registered to do.
“I think it is still good to do something for a good cause even if it is virtual and have others join.
“There are many local events that have been affected by the COVID-19 restrictions such as the weekly 5km Parkruns in Cobram, Wangaratta and Benalla, the 10km at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Multisport Festival along with the Running of the Black Bull Half Marathon at the Murray Quad that have all been cancelled so I just wanted to do something,” Tim said.
Tim is pushing the message if you suspect a stroke, ask these questions:
Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
Stroke Foundation Victorian State Manager Eamonn O’Toole applauded Tim’s mission and thanked him for raising awareness of stroke and the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke test.
“Stroke is always a medical emergency, but the faster it is treated the greater the chance of survival and avoiding stroke-related brain damage,” Mr O’Toole said.
“In fact, with timely access to treatment, many people are able to make a good recovery.
“I also commend Tim for reducing his own stroke risk by staying fit and healthy.”
There will be more than 420 strokes in the Murray region in 2020 and almost 3,500 stroke survivors live in the community.
Tim will be running a 1km loop around the cricket ovals 42 times on Saturday starting at 9am with the goal to finish within four hours and has encouraged Yarrawonga and Mulwala locals to support him.
“Please join me for a lap or two or by donating generously to the Stroke Foundation to help them prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery,” Tim said.
Donations can be made by visiting https://doit4stroke.everydayhero.com/au/tim
The Murray Quadrathlon Facebook page will also have information on Tim’s other weekly runs https://www.facebook.com/MurrayQuadrathlon
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