Mark Ford's story
An extremely fit person and avid ultramarathon runner, Mark had gone to bed early one fateful night, but to his surprise, suffered an ischemic stroke in the wee hours of the morning.
November newsletter 2025
By Stroke Aotearoa
In this edition, we highlight our work with children and stroke and what we've been up to around the motu. It isn't without the support of you, that Stroke Aotearoa can help those impacted by stroke.
Welcome to the November edition of our support e-newsletter.
In this edition, we highlight our work with children and stroke, which you help make possible! You'll also read about Seb who is committed to helping children through the Barnardos 0800 What's Up helpline. For more information regarding support for tamariki and rangatahi after stroke, click here.
Back on his bike (sort of)
You may remember the story of young Angus from Wānaka, who, two years ago, experienced a stroke.
His stroke followed a motorbike accident while he was out riding with a friend. A neck injury from the crash is believed to have damaged his carotid artery, triggering clotting that ultimately caused the stroke.
At just ten years old at the time, it is thought Angus is the youngest stroke survivor ever cared for at Christchurch Hospital however it’s not unusual for stroke to occur in babies and children. Because Angus's stroke was caused by an accident, he is entitled to receive support from ACC. Not all stroke survivors are able to receive this much-needed help.
You can read more of Angus and Mum Fiona's encouraging and honest update by clicking here.
If you are a parent or guardian of a young stroke survivor and would like to reach out to Fiona please contact us here.
A bump in the road
Seb from Barnados Aotearoa's 0800 What's Up? service has a message of hope for children and teens affected by stroke.
Through partnership, we are providing 0800 What's Up? with the resources they need to help young people struggling with stroke or the stroke of a loved one. We are incredibly grateful for the hard work from Seb and his team at Barnardos!
Going the extra mile for stroke survivors
Plans are in motion to significantly change the lives of many people living with disability following stroke, especially those not covered by ACC, thanks to the kindness and forward thinking of a donor.
In partnership with the Independent Living Charitable Trust, we are excited to gift at least 100 motorised mobility scooters to stroke survivors - honouring the wishes of the Morath family who left a gift in their Will.
Peter Morath lived with his wife Shirley in Cass Bay which overlooks Lyttelton Harbour near Christchurch. Shirley was a stroke survivor and, with the aid of an electric wheelchair, Shirley was able to have her independence and dignity.
In loving memory of Shirley, Peter’s Estate has gifted Stroke Aotearoa the ability to enhance other stroke survivors with that same independence.
Stroke Aotearoa is very grateful for the Morath family’s thoughtfulness, foresight and generosity in enabling stroke survivors to live better lives.
What's been happening around the motu
On World Stroke Day, we shared stroke survivor Jamie Summer's story and educated the country about F.A.S.T. with TVNZ's Breakfast team; at Parliament we launched two exciting initiatives through our partnership with other leading charities; and our Community Stroke Navigators did the mahi at Poverty Bay's 150th A&P show; Ashburton's Stroke Health Awareness Day and Hawke's Bay's IRONMĀORI event.
A precarious situation
Rob and Sue have enjoyed a lifetime of adventures together, but nothing could have prepared them for what took place in the couple's kitchen in 2020. Read what happened next here.
Rob and Sue have kindly left a gift in their Will to help us continue our work preventing stroke and supporting those affected by it. If you would like to leave a gift in your Will, find out more here.
We All Know Someone: Now you can show stroke survivors they're not alone anymore
In a show of solidarity, the team at Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand have created a special photo montage on our website showing portraits of the many Kiwis who have survived stroke and those who care for them.
If you would like to submit your picture (do not submit anyone else’s - please respect their decision to choose and their privacy) you are most welcome to do so. We'll keep updating our montage from time to time. You'll see there's an opportunity to share your story.
Submit your photo here.
Watch Professor. Ranta's World Stroke Day lecture
Last month, Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand and the University of Otago hosted a special public lecture by Professor Anna Ranta in celebration of World Stroke Day.
If you couldn't attend, you're invited to watch the video!
Anna is one of New Zealand’s leading stroke neurologists and serves as the Medical Director of Stroke Aotearoa. Her presentation shares ground-breaking research and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery.
View her presentation by clicking here.
Recent survivor stories
Peter's story
Peter’s quick thinking over the phone helped save his wife Megan’s life after a sudden stroke. Today, they’re rebuilding their world together with their two young daughters.
Sarah's story
As the wife of Jamie, a young stroke survivor, Sarah encourages other survivors and loved ones to not give up.
Thank you to all who took part in our World Stroke Day quiz. We are delighted to announce the winner of the of one night's accommodation at the Grand Millenium Hotel Auckland was E Speer, and the winner of the Ninja Blender was A Doree. Congratulations and a massive THANK YOU to Noel Leeming Nelson and The Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland for generously donating the prizes.
Noho ora mai, stay well, and enjoy your day!
Jess Winchester
General Manager Marketing and Fundraising | Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand