Community & Business
10 September, 2025
Julatten woman making strides to honour partner
JULATTEN local Dixie Wells is lacing up this month to take part in the Stroke Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser, Stride4Stroke.
In honour of her partner Gavin, who experienced a stroke earlier this year at just 52 years of age, Dixie has already raised more than $640 for the campaign, which began on 1 September.
She is aiming to reach 900 moving minutes to raise $950 throughout the month.
For her husband, his experience began as a simple headache and tingling in his arm, which turned into a series of strokes that left Gavin hospitalised in Cairns Base Hospital’s stroke ward for five days.
An MRI revealed three areas of damage in his brain.
“He thought it was just a migraine or the result of a long week at work,” Dixie said.
“He didn’t want to worry me, and I didn’t realise how serious it was. If we’d known more about the signs of stroke, we would have gone to hospital sooner.”
F.A.S.T is the quick way to determine the signs of stroke and stands for Face (drooped), Arms (can’t be raised), Speech (slurred or confused) and Time (which is critical, call 000).
Fortunately, Gavin avoided major physical disability, but still lives with brain fog, fatigue, and memory problems.
The couple say the experience has completely changed their outlook on life.
“Gavin has always worked long, physical hours, but since his stroke he’s had to slow down, listen to his body, and accept help when he needs it,” Dixie said.
Stride4Stroke entails measuring “moving minutes” which can include activities such as running, swimming, yoga or bike riding.
For more information visit stride4stroke.org.au
