Kimberley Cootes

I’m taking on the challenge of Stride4Stroke and raising funds for Stroke Foundation!

Hi there friends, I'm taking on the challenge of Stride4Stroke and raising funds for Stroke Foundation to help prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery.

Last year, at the age of 35, I lost my father to a stroke. When my father was 35, he lost his father to a stroke.

Without a doubt, losing my beloved Dad has been the single most devastating, and heartbreaking event of my life to date. Prior to his stroke, he was a relatively healthy 67yr old man, in the early stages of retirement, looking forward to many more years of fishing on his new boat, and spending time with his wonderful grandchildren. 

For the past 19yrs, I have worked as a disability support worker, and have seen first hand the lifelong impacts of strokes on numerous people.

In the next 11 minutes, someone, somewhere in Australia is going to have a stroke.

Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and doesn't discriminate; it affects anyone, anytime. It claims more lives than breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. And incredibly, up to 120 babies and 400 children have a stroke in Australia each year.

By supporting me, you'll be helping to sustain vital programs and resources that Stroke Foundation provides, including:

Preventing Stroke:

• StrokeSafe Talks
• Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check
• Information Resources

Saving Lives:

• F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) Signs of Stroke Awareness
• Living Guidelines for Stroke Management
• InformMe Website for Health Professionals

Enhancing Recovery:

• StrokeLine
• My Stroke Journey
• EnableMe Website for Survivors of Stroke

Your support goes beyond just a donation; it's a lifeline for individuals at risk of stroke and survivors of stroke.

Thank you for supporting me. Together we can change the state of stroke in Australia for generations to come.