Geelong pilot, stroke survivor and Highton resident Nick Beever has been announced as one of the Stroke Foundation’s three finalists for its Fundraiser of the Year award.
In 2018 Mr Beever, then a fit and healthy 36-year-old, suffered a serious stroke and was left not knowing if he’d ever be able to return to the job he loved at Jetstar.
However, with the support of family, friends and his employer, Mr Beever engaged in an intense rehabilitation process, eventually returning to work with a clean bill of health.
Mr Beever’s recovery culminated in him running the Melbourne Marathon’s half marathon last October, raising $28,586 for the Stroke Foundation in the process.
He said being named a finalist for the award was completely unexpected.
“It was very much out of the blue, a big surprise,” he said.
“My aim was $21K for 21 kilometres, and we came in at $28.5 thousand raised, so I was very, very proud of that.
“I thought 21km was gonna be a bit too far, but luckily with the help of physios and training, some goals that I set and people that I ran with on the day, I made it through the 21km.”
Mr Beever said he felt extremely lucky to have his life return to normal after such a devastating incident and wanted to help others who might not be as fortunate as him.
“I’m moving on, which is fantastic, and I’m even more happy than what I was because I know I’m a lucky one,” he said.
“So I wanted to raise money and awareness to help other people that are going through the exact same thing today. Luck was on my side, but I’m aware not everybody is that lucky.
“I know this money has gone to help people make adjustments to their house, get to physio, get treatment, and that was my motivation, to try to help other people.”
“I’d like to give a special thanks to the people who helped me in Geelong and also the Barwon Stroke Support Centre, who provide local support for people here.”
Winners of the 2023 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards will be announced at an event in Melbourne on May 4.
