KATHY Cameron is only new to running, but that hasn’t stopped her tackling the 10km run at this year’s Forster Running Festival three years after suffering a stroke.
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“I actually only had another what they call a TIA or mini-stroke about three months ago,” Kathy said.
“I’m only 47 and oeople look at me and don’t think I could have had a stroke but it’s not just an old-person problem it can affect anybody.”
Kathy suffered her initial stroke three years ago after going home from work with a terrible headache.
“It was getting worse and somehow I called my husband, I don’t remember doing it, and when I was talking to him I just wasn’t making any sense and then I couldn’t talk.”
Kathy was taken to Manning Base Hospital where given her age and lack of “classic” symptoms her stroke was misdiagnosed. It was only at John Hunter Hospital the following day that her stroke was diagnosed.
“It was only a mild stroke so I was off work for a while, but I returned to full functioning pretty quickly really. I haven’t got any physical disabilities.”
Kathy still requires ongoing medical treatment and also decided to get fit, which is where running came in.
“I used to do endurance riding but I hadn’t done anything for a while. I started doing crossfit with my daughter last year and thought I’d add running to my program.”
Running has proven the perfect exercise for Kathy who works irregular hours that can make getting to the gym hard.
“My training is a bit hit and miss. I work weekends and odd hours so I fit my runs in when I can. Running is great because you can do it by yourself, any time without equipment so there’s no excuses, anyone can do it.”
Though she’s developed a love of pounding the pavement, the Forster Running Festival will be her first competitive race and she’s decided to go the whole hog in tackling the 10km run as a fundraiser for the National Stroke Foundation.
“I was going to do the five but since I’m doing it with my husband as a fundraiser and awareness raiser for the Stroke Foundation I thought ‘why not give the 10km a go’.”
Kathy also hopes to raise funds for Hunter Medical Research Unit which carries out a lot of stroke research.
“One in six Australians will be affected by stroke in some way or another. We need funds for more research and ongoing care support.”
People can donate to Kathy’s run via the Forster Running Festival Homepage http://www.forsterrunningfestival.com.au or on the day (September 8). You can also join Kathy’s team.
“Anyone interested can call me on 0420811149. Look out for the red shirts on race day.”
