Ten years after a life-changing stroke, Ivanhoe resident Ian Baird is preparing to mark a major milestone, walking the final kilometre of the 5.5km Run Melbourne event on Sunday 13 July.
At 59 years old, Ian will complete most of the course in a wheelchair pushed by his wife, Jayne, before rising to his feet to walk the final 1km - something doctors once said he would never do again! Ian's children will also run in the 10km event, proudly marking the 10-year anniversary of their dad's stroke.
"I had my stroke just before my 49th birthday," Ian said. "Back then, I was told I'd never walk again. Now, with the support of my family, I have spent the past six months training hard to walk this distance. It's going to be an emotional moment."
Ian's participation is not only a personal triumph, but also a powerful fundraising mission. He is one of the top individual fundraisers for the Stroke Foundation at this year's Run Melbourne, rallying donations to support other survivors of stroke and raising awareness of the ongoing challenges many Australian survivors of stroke face.
"As someone who has lived through the impacts of stroke, I know how important access to recovery supports and information is," Ian said. "Stroke Foundation plays a critical role in helping families like mine touched by stroke to rebuild their lives."
A builder and farmer before the stroke, Ian's life was turned upside down in 2015 after experiencing a severe stroke on the way home from a family weekend. Ian spent eight months in hospital, including intensive care, neurology, and rehabilitation wards before returning home to continue the long journey of recovery.
"I've had to find my new normal," Ian said. "I still live with significant challenges. Speech and mobility are tough, but I can cook, do woodwork, grocery shopping, and even drive around the farm again. Every step I take now is proof of how far I've come."
Survivor of stroke Ian Baird and his children Hannah and Angus will participate in this weekend's RUN Melbourne event raising vital funds for Stroke Foundation.
Stroke Foundation Executive Director of Programs, Research and Innovation Kelvin Hill praised Ian's determination, and the role community fundraisers play in improving outcomes for survivors of stroke.
"Stroke strikes the brain, it can change lives in an instant," Mr Hill said. "Around 46,000 strokes will impact Australians this year, that's one every 11 minutes."
Ian's story shows what is possible with the right support, determination, and rehabilitation. Community champions like Ian help us raise the funds we need to deliver lifesaving education, support services and advocacy across the country," Mr Hill added.
Ian hopes his story will inspire others and remind stroke survivors not to give up.
"There are good days and bad days, but I've learned not to believe it when people say you can't do something. I was told I wouldn't walk again, now I'm walking for others like me."
The Baird family is inviting everyone to support their efforts by donating to Ian's fundraising page and helping the Stroke Foundation continue its vital work.
To support Ian Baird and donate to the Stroke Foundation, visit:
https://runmelbourne25.grassrootz.com/strokefoundation/ian-baird
