When Glen Dymond laces up his runners for the Run Melbourne Half Marathon on July 13, he won't just be chasing a finish line, he'll be running for his twin brother, Trevor.
Glen is taking on 21km to raise funds and awareness for Stroke Foundation, a cause that became deeply personal 15 years ago when Trevor suffered a stroke at just 33 years old. The brothers, inseparable since birth, "two halves of a whole" as Glen puts it, share everything from a career in accounting to footy rivalries.
But in 2009, everything changed in a moment when Trevor's wife, Dee recognised the F.A.S.T signs of stroke and called for help.
"Trevor was lucky, his wife saw the drooping face, the slurred speech, and she acted fast," Glen said.
"That quick thinking and the amazing treatment he received meant he was able to recover and continue living a full life. But not everyone is that fortunate."
Stroke Foundation CEO, Dr Lisa Murphy, praised Trevor's wife's quick thinking and Glen's efforts and highlighted the importance of recognising the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke.
"More than 45,000 Australians experience a stroke each year, that's one every 11 minutes. But the earlier a stroke is recognised and treated, the better the chances of survival and recovery. Knowing the F.A.S.T. signs: Face, Arms, Speech, Time; can truly change the outcome for someone you love."
Trevor still lives with some ongoing conditions, like fatigue and sensory issues, but thanks to urgent medical care, he is thriving, working full time and enjoying life. Glen is now on a mission to ensure others get the same chance by supporting Stroke Foundation's work in stroke awareness, research, and recovery.
Glen is just $200 away from reaching his $1,000 fundraising goal. "Running this half marathon combines three things I care deeply about - my brother, running, and the Stroke Foundation. If I can help just one person recognise the F.A.S.T signs of stroke in time to save a life, it's all worth it," Glen said.
To support Glen's Run Melbourne fundraising for the Stroke Foundation, visit:
https://runmelbourne25.grassrootz.com/strokefoundation/glen-dymond
