It’s that time of year again and the Know your numbers program has kicked off in Qld, Vic and NSW.

This year we expect to have over 650 pressure stations aiming to check the blood pressure of up to 65,000 people!

We celebrated in our office today with a healthy morning tea and a short presentation by Belinda of how the program keeps growing each year.

Stay tuned for updates and hopefully some photos of the pressure stations in action.

Avid NSF supporter and creator of Facebook group “I had a stroke and here’s a happy ending” Adrian O’Malley reached an amazing milestone earlier this month, when he completed a six day bushwalk in Tasmania.

Three and a half years ago, Adrian O’Malley was a fit and healthy 34 year old looking forward to becoming a first time dad. Then with no warning, he suffered a stroke that changed the course of his life.

Unable to walk, use his right arm and hand and limited vision Adrian set himself a challenge – to increase public awareness of stroke and raise money for the National Stroke Foundation by walking Tasmania’s Overland Track.

“It’s been a long haul that started with me trying to walk the length of the hospital corridor” said Adrian “It feels great to have proven a stroke hasn’t stopped me from doing this”

We would like to thank Adrian for his inspirational efforts in raising awareness of stroke and congratulate him on his achievements, both on and off the Overland Track.

Adrian has appeared in a number of media interviews, discussing his experiences, some of which can be viewed below.

• Adrian O’Malley on 936 ABC Hobart.wmv

• Adrian O’Malley in The Examiner

• Adrian O’Malley on Southern Cross News

Do you or does anyone you know have AF? Would you be interested in sharing your story with the Australian media and public?

Later this year, The National Stroke Foundation will announce the results of a new study into the impact of atrial fibrillation on the Australian health system.  To increase awareness of AF and the impact on stroke we will be speaking with media outlets across the country.

We would like the media to hear the individual view, so we are inviting you to help by telling your story.

We are hoping to speak to people from a variety of ages and range of life situations such as professionals, retirees, parents, grandparents, etc who fit the following profile:

•    Has had a stroke as a result of having AF
•    Has AF but has not had a stroke
•    Is a carer of a person who has AF as a result of a stroke
•    Is a carer of a person who has AF but has not had a stroke

If you would like to take part, please contact Janelle Yates at the National Stroke Foundation jyates@strokefoundation.com.au or 9670 1000.