June newsletter 2025

Stroke and age

People often think of stroke as something that only affects the elderly. But this simply isn't true. While the majority of strokes affect those over 65, up to 30% of strokes affect people younger than 65. This number is even higher for Māori and Pacific people, with 60% of strokes happening between 15 and 64 years of age.

With an estimated 9000 strokes in Aotearoa every year, that means that around 2700 strokes are experienced by people who are still working, who still have young children at home, or who are still children themselves. It is critical to know that if someone is showing any signs of stroke (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Take action - call 111), get medical help immediately — even if they're young.

Returning to work after stroke

Having a stroke is particularly challenging if you are still working. But with the right support, you can successfully return to the workforce. Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand's free Return to Work service is here to provide that support.

This service can be used by stroke survivors all over Aotearoa, whether you have a job to go back to or if you need to find new employment. You can learn more about eligibility for the Return to Work service and find out how to apply by visiting our website.

Learn more about the return to work service.

The Road to Recovery

We want to thank everyone who was involved in The Road to Recovery Challenge last month and helped to make it a huge success! We had 78 people sign up across 14 teams, raising nearly $7000 – vital funds that will help support stroke survivors during their own personal road to recovery. Across all participants, we aimed to travel the length of Aotearoa, and can now report that we travelled 11,521km together – over 7x our goal!

Here are some more highlights: 

• The Stroke Rehab Physio Team was our top fundraising team, raising $1223 
• The Stroke Rehab Patients were close behind them, raising an amazing $874! 
• Solstice was the top individual fundraiser – she raised $522 “to honour whānau impacted by stroke, raise awareness and challenge myself to keep moving during the month of May” 
• Team Christchurch Hospital Acute Stroke Unit travelled the furthest – over 3000km! 

Amazing efforts by everyone who participated – thank you for keeping Te Ahi Tūmanako, the flame of hope, alight for stroke survivors!

The Great Wall of China trek

Congratulations to our team who just completed a nine-day trip to China to hike the Great Wall of China!

These incredible Champions of Hope—two stroke survivors, the daughter of a stroke survivor, and a colleague/friend—have raised over $30,000 for Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as raised awareness and promoted the mahi we do to prevent stroke and improve lives in Aotearoa.

If you want to show your support for this incredible crew, their fundraising pages will be open until July 1st — click the button below:

Support our Champions

Noho ora mai, stay well

Jess Winchester

General Manager Marketing and Fundraising | Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand