A veteran Stroke Foundation volunteer has been recognised as a finalist in the 2024 Stroke Awards.
Padstow's Tony Finneran has been named a finalist in the Improving Life After Stroke category. It's the sixth nomination for the 66-year-old, who has been nominated for a Stroke Award almost every year since 2015. Tony also won the Volunteer of the Year award in 2023 and the Creative Award in 2020.
The annual event celebrates the unsung heroes in our community who go above and beyond to improve the lives of Australians affected by stroke. This includes the survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and researchers and members of the community.
Tony has made it his mission to improve the lives of others, since his own stroke in 2013. The Stroke Foundation advocate regularly volunteers his time to share his own experience with the media, local politicians and federal parliamentarians. He is also a StrokeSafe Speaker, and has delivered talks to hospitals, community groups, probus clubs and conferences.
Tony is also well regarded in the bus and coach industry and has written many books on the topic. Tony uses these books as fundraisers, and has donated more than $61,000 to help prevent, treat and beat stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy applauded Tony for all he has achieved since his stroke 11 years ago.
"We're so grateful for the work of Tony, he is always out in the community passionately advocating for the work of Stroke Foundation," Dr Murphy said.
"There's no doubt Tony has improved the lives of many survivors of stroke. He is always one of the first people to put his hands up. He is an inspiration to the stroke community and would be a very worthy recipient of this award."
The Improving Life After Stroke category specifically recognises those who voluntarily dedicate their time to improving the care and support of stroke survivors in the community.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Melbourne on Friday, May 3. The finalists are:
- Tony Finneran - New South Wales
- Amanda Clayton - Queensland
- Julie Davey - Victoria
There are eight categories in total: Warrior, Improving Life After Stroke, Creative, Courage, First Nations Stroke Excellence, Fundraiser of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and President's Achievement.
The 2024 Stroke Awards are supported by Abbvie, Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), Ipsen, Medtronic, NAB, Precision Connect and Worrells.
