A CENTRAL Victorian couple have been recognised for their work in supporting stroke survivors.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sutton Grange resident Ron Townrow, 63, was fit, healthy, and had no known health problems when he had a stroke 19 years ago.
"It was a dramatic change to life," he said. "I lost use of my left arm and I couldn't walk or talk.
"I soon got my speech back and I had to learn to walk again. I still have some general weakness in my left side but my biggest problem is extreme fatigue.
"I'm still dealing with that now and it creates numerous problems and frustrations."
Mr Townrow's wife Marge became his carer after the stroke. Throughout his recovery, and in the years since, the couple have become involved in the Central Victorian Stroke Support Group.
They have also volunteered at Bendigo Health for seven years and are involved with the Bendigo Stroke Support Centre.
Mrs Townrow, who is also the convener of the support group, said those connections helped with her husband's recovery.
"Originally when we came down here to live, we joined the group," she said. "We got so much out of it because Ron had just had the stroke. We got a lot of support and friendship.
"We just feel that after all of that, we have to put something back. That's why we are still part of it."
The Townrow's have been listed as finalists in the Stroke Foundation's 2020 Stroke Awards for the Improving Life After Stroke Award category.
The award recognises people who strive to improve the lives of people who have been impacted by stroke. That includes stroke survivors, carers, volunteers, health professionals, and researchers.
"People like Ron and Marge go above and beyond to improve the state of stroke in Australia," Stroke Foundation Victoria's Eamonn O'Toole said. "The awards are our way of saying thank you."
Mr Townrow said he was embarrassed by the honour.
"It's not really about us," he said. "It's about the people who have done the work in the years before us.
"We're just the next in line to do our best. It should be focused on everyone in our group."
Mrs Townrow said the one thing the couple wanted to get out of this recognition was a greater public awareness around stroke.
"The first thing is that if you think you have any of the symptoms of stroke, get to a hospital," she said. "Sometimes the signs are obvious but sometimes they're not.
"Secondly, my advice to stroke survivors is think positively, be patient, and never give up. Life will change but you must grab at the positives."
More information about the signs of stroke and support can be found at strokefoundation.org.au.
Bendigo Stroke Support Centre: strokeassociation.com.au/stroke-support-centres/bendigo
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.