Bunbury man shares inspiring rehabilitation story from stroke to completing fun run

Completing a 5km run is no easy task without some training, but for Bunbury resident Phil Thompson going the distance took on an extra special meaning. Mr Thompson, 74, suffered a stroke last year and was rushed to Bunbury Regional Hospital with weakness to his left arm and slurred speech. In the immediate aftermath, he was seen by an array of specialists including neurologists, doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals. Following his discharge from hospital, he set himself a goal: complete a 5km run. Earlier this year he reached that goal during the Busselton Bay Run. He is now encouraging others to get familiar with the signs of a stroke with early intervention crucial to a healthy recovery. With an enormous amount hard work and determination, combined with help from occupational therapists, Mr Thompson told the Herald he wouldn’t have reached the 5km mark without that medical support. “The staff from the wards to home did an incredible job with me and what I’ve achieved,” he said. “As far as I am concerned it’s all the occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and doctors that deserve the credit — they got my health back in order. “I can’t thank them enough.” In a fitting way to end the run, Mr Thompson crossed the finish line alongside his treating physiotherapist Amy Silvester. WA County Health Service’s South West stroke coordinator Renee Dehring said the 74-year-old was an example of why treating strokes as early as possible was important. “Strokes are serious, that’s why it’s so important that everyone knows the signs and what to do,” she said. “In Phil’s case, we were able to treat him locally at the onset of his stroke and throughout his rehabilitation, which is always a great benefit to recovery. “Phil’s goals for his rehabilitation journey were about regaining his independence, fitness and returning to running, and we are so pleased that he’s been able to achieve this.” Identifying signs of a stroke early and calling triple zero could be lifesaving, according to the Stroke Foundation. It recommends keeping the F.A.S.T. acronym in mind which stands for face, arms, speech and time. Symptoms of a stroke include a drooped mouth, the inability to lift both arms, slurred speech or trouble understanding others.