When Toowoomba's Smith family pound the pavement this month, it will be with their beloved mum and grandmother Priscilla on their minds. The much-missed 60-year-old died after a devastating stroke in July this year.
Priscilla's daughter-in-law Kayla said the family were given just hours to get to a Brisbane hospital to say their goodbyes.
"One minute she was here with us, and suddenly our entire world changed. Losing her so suddenly has left a huge hole in our family, but we don't want her story to end there," Kayla said.
"Mum was an incredibly loving, caring and strong woman. She loved her church and faithfully served there for nearly 20 years.
"That is who we want people to remember. Not just the way we lost her, but the woman she was. She was a woman who was deeply loved by so many."
During September, Priscilla's family plan on participating in Stride4Stroke, Stroke Foundation's biggest month-long annual fundraiser.
"We are walking, running, exercising in our local gyms and getting our family involved, with the goal of raising as much awareness and money as we can," Kayla said.
"We can't change what happened to Mum, but we can try to turn our grief into something meaningful. If sharing her story helps even one person recognise the signs of a stroke, seek help quickly, or understand just how devastating a stroke can be, then we know Mum's story can make a difference."
Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows nearly two in five Australian adults aged between 18 and 64 do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity (37 per cent).
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says this is a concerning statistic.
"This equates to around 10.5 million Australians who are not getting the recommended amount of physical exercise. Being physically active is important for good health and wellbeing at any age, and is one of the most simple and effective ways you can reduce your risk of stroke."
Dr Murphy is asking all Aussies to get moving this September to reduce their risk of stroke and other chronic conditions.
"Stride4Stroke gives Australians a simple and inclusive way to get moving, raise awareness and help create a future with fewer strokes," Dr Murphy said.
"We know 80 per cent of strokes are preventable, so the good news is you can lower your risk of stroke by getting regular health check-ups with your GP, and making healthier changes such as exercising regularly, quitting smoking, eating a healthy balanced diet and reducing your alcohol intake," Dr Murphy said.
"You can stride anywhere, anytime, and in any way that gets you moving. Just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25 per cent; and every dollar raised goes towards vital stroke prevention, research, recovery programs and advocacy."
