When doctors told the Daly family to prepare for the worst, they never imagined that 18 months later, they would be training for a marathon together.
In a remarkable show of resilience and love, Clay Daly will be pushing his father, Mark Daly, in a wheelchair as he takes on the 2025 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday 6 July, raising vital funds and awareness for the Stroke Foundation.
Mark suffered a catastrophic pontine haemorrhagic stroke on 4 December 2023, a type of stroke so severe he was given just hours to live. Kept alive on life support, doctors called Mark's survival a "Christmas miracle." At first, Mark could only move his eyes; but over the next 11 months, through sheer grit and support from his family, Mark began rebuilding the neural connections between his brain and body, learning to move again, sit, and eventually stand.
Mark and Clay train together three times a week as they prepare to cross the marathon finish line together with the support of family and friends.
"This marathon is about more than just running," Clay says. "It's about showing what's possible even after your darkest days. We were told Dad wouldn't survive the night. Now we're about to take on 42 kilometres together. We want to inspire hope, raise awareness about stroke, and honour every step of his recovery."
Clay's original fundraising goal of $500 has already been smashed. He has raised more than $10,000 and counting for the Stroke Foundation and its important work of supporting stroke awareness, prevention, research and enhanced recovery supports for people, families and carers impacted by stroke.
The Gold Coast Marathon is most known for the elite athletes competing; however, it is stories like Clay and Mark's that remind us of that the event is just as much about the everyday heroes. The father-son inspirational duo is determined to use their journey to remind Australians of the importance of knowing the F.A.S.T signs of stroke (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) and acting FAST.
"Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and a leading cause of disability," said Dr Lisa Murphy, CEO at Stroke Foundation. "Clay and Mark's story is one of courage, love and survival. We're so grateful for their support and their drive to turn a devastating moment into a message of hope and action."
Support Clay and Mark's Mission
To donate or follow their story: https://goldcoastmarathon25.grassrootz.com/strokefoundation/mark-and-clay-daly
