Hard-running fundraiser a finalist in Stroke Awards

HIGHTON’s Nick Beever is one of the finalists in the 2023 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards for his hard-running fundraising work.

Mr Beever, who works as a pilot in the aviation industry, experienced a stroke in 2018 at the age of 36, losing function down the right-hand side of his body.

He spent six weeks recovering in a Sydney hospital followed by six months of rehabilitation.

After 18 months on the ground, Mr Beever eventually resumed flying, but he also decided to raise money and awareness of stroke treatment and recovery.

“I used to tell myself, no one can change the past, only I can change the future,” he said.

“So I set myself goals, some small and some big.”

One of these goals was to take part in the 2022 Melbourne Marathon, so Mr Beever signed up for the half-marathon with the name “21K for 21K”, aiming to raise $1,000 for the Stroke Foundation for each kilometre he ran in the event.

Mr Beever not only completed the half-marathon while meeting his fundraising target but also surpassed it, and ultimately raised more than $27,000.

He is one of the 142,000 working aged stroke survivors living in Australia, and about 20 strokes a day affect Australians under the age of 65.

“It wasn’t until I had my stroke that I learnt just how common strokes are in young Australians,” Mr Beeves said.

“I want everyone to know that while the recovery journey may be challenging at times, it’s definitely worth it.”

For his efforts, Mr Beever was one of only three people to make the shortlist for Fundraiser of the Year Award, which recognises a fundraiser who has gone above and beyond to help raise awareness and funds for stroke in Australia.

Other categories in the awards – which received more than 50 nominations – includee Improving Life After Stroke, Creative, Courage, and Volunteer of the Year.

Stroke Foundation interim chief executive officer John De Rango congratulated all 18 finalists.

“We are thrilled to be able to recognise so many worthy recipients. The Stroke Awards are our way of saying thank you for your time and dedication to the stroke community,” Mr De Rango said.

“I am blown away by the calibre of the nominees. It features a diverse group of Australians who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of those affected by stroke.”

More than 27,000 Australians have a stroke each year, which equates to one every 19 minutes.

Winners of this year’s Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards will be announced at an event in Melbourne on May 4.