Stroke survivor Paul Bovington is set to do what many thought impossible – complete a marathon six years after experiencing a stroke.
With the added goal of raising vital funds for stroke research through The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRFG), Paul is planning to run 105 laps (42km) of the Northern Districts Athletics Club’s running track on 6 April.
“A marathon has been forefront of my mind since I relearned how to run again. This is the unwritten chapter and in many ways it’s the most important chapter,” Paul said.
“I’m planning on replacing the horrible memory of having a stroke with something that’s going to be more positive.”
On 15 December 2018, Paul was taking part in his local parkrun at Carisbrooke Park in Salisbury and was on pace to set a personal best time when he started to feel a thumping headache come on.
That was the last thing the then-42-year-old would remember before waking up in hospital three weeks later.
A tangle of blood vessels in his brain, a congenital abnormality called an arteriovenous malformation, ruptured and trigged a stroke, resulting in Paul being placed in a three-week induced coma.
Paul experienced swelling and bleeding on the brain, and underwent two rounds of emergency surgery, including a lifesaving operation to relieve the pressure on his brain by removing part of his skull.
Left with paralysis on his left side, Paul had to re-learn how to walk, talk, swallow, and dress himself.
After four months, Paul was able to walk out of rehab. But the goal of running a marathon was always front of mind.
Paul is a beloved member of the THRFG family, helping to coordinate our stroke support groups for men and those based in the northern suburbs, and is a valued member of THRFG – Stroke Board of Governors.
Now, he’s calling on the community to help him achieve his goal! Join him or follow his event ‘Bov’s marathon’ on Facebook and donate via www.stroke.org.au/paul-bovington
