Collie locals doing it for stroke victims

Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer and leading cause of disability.

As a nurse, Carolyn Stone sees firsthand the effects of a stroke on patients and their families, but nothing could have prepared her for the sudden death of her father.

In October last year, Reg Bluett passed away after suffering a Stroke at only 59 years of age.

Feeling determined to ensure her dad’s death was not in vain and desperate to raise awareness within her community about strokes, Mrs Stone contacted her fellow colleague and friend Kelly Bucktin and Sascha Shepherd to tell them of her idea of a walk-for-a-cure.

“Originally the walk was to go from Harvey to Collie, as Reg was born in Harvey but lived in Collie,” Mrs Stone said.

“However, the community support and interest in participating in this event had us searching for other ideas and venues.”

The walk-for-a-cure will include a family fun day and will be held at the Collie Trotting Track on September 26.

Mrs Stone said the goal was to walk 59 kilometres – the distance from Harvey to Collie.

“This means more people can participate – come down and walk as much or as little as you please and let’s see how far we as a community can walk for this great cause,” she said.

“You can walk as much or as little as you want.

“Several local businesses have already helped with donating products for raffles which has helped raise money for this event but more is always welcome.”

On the day there will be lots of market stalls and free activities for the children, with a gold coin donation for entrance.

It is $30 for vendors and $10 to register to walk.

“We aim to raise a total of $5900 from this event and raffles that we have done over the last six months, with all proceeds going to the Stroke Foundation,” Mrs Stone said.

More information about donating or getting involved is available by calling 0408 994 409 or by visiting https://doit4stroke.everydayhero.com/au/walk-for-a-cure-in-memory-of-reg-bluett.