Walker helps tackle stroke, step-by-step

MOST of us can’t walk on water, but Pierre Nunns has made it a ritual.

The Nerrina local has been walking thousands of steps each day in November, many of those around a running track on top of a cruise ship between Brisbane and Hobart, as part of the Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke fundraiser.

Mr Nunns was inspired to take the challenge having lost two loved ones in the last 18 months. He also saw the campaign as an opportunity to take care of himself.

“My elderly aunt suffered a stroke in the middle of an operation, which was one of the drivers towards losing her recently. I’ve also seen the effect of stroke on other people I know,” he said.

“I lost my wife to cancer last year, and I decided I could either sit in a puddle of tears, or move forward, and I’ve sought to deal with it by giving something of myself, taking part in Stride4Stroke.

“I’m in the risk category for stroke. I’m 63, working long stressful hours, and as I’ve gone through and received material from the foundation, I’ve discovered all my friends are in the same category as me, just ticking away with risk.

“Here’s an opportunity for me to do a life reset for my own health and mental wellbeing. I’m getting fitter and doing good for the community in this little way that I can.”

Every day this month, Mr Nunns has been walking roughly 10,000 steps and said he’s lost seven kilograms so far.

Walking laps of the cruise ship, he said he enjoyed saying hello to people along the way, many of them seniors, and some who had been stroke affected.

“Their eyes would light up when they found out what I was doing, and some would ask, ‘how do I donate?’ That was beautiful as they were on holiday,” he said.

“We’ve raised nearly $1500, and a little more to top it up would be the icing on the cake. It’s been a really positive experience.”

Mr Nunns encourages people to find out whether they are at risk of stroke and to take steps to look after themselves. Visit bit.ly/3TY3Etk to donate to his campaign.