A Gold Coast personal trainer and survivor of stroke is preparing to swap the stairs for the summit when he tackles Mt Kosciuszko's peak later this month.
Marcus Burgess, from Upper Coomera, will join four other survivors of stroke in the adventure of a lifetime when they tackle steep ascents to watch the sun rise across Australia's highest mountain at night.
It's a huge achievement for the 49-year-old who had a stroke in the carpark of his gym in August 2020.
"I have recovered physically well. I knew the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and got the help I needed quickly. But I often think about what could have been," Marcus said.
"I have been busy training, doing lots of running and weights. I normally compete in stairclimbing events, so this is a bit different. I try to challenge myself with different things, and this is something I have never done before."
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Australia. It kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.
Marcus hopes that by stepping outside of his comfort zone, he will help educate more Queenslanders about the risks of stroke, all while lowering his own risk of stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy congratulated Marcus on his recovery and thanked him for helping educate others about stroke.
"Marcus is among 87,000 survivors of stroke living in Queensland. Marcus was fit and healthy at the time of his stroke. Unfortunately, they can happen to anyone at any time," Dr Murphy said.
"Thankfully he knew the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and was able to get to hospital quickly. We want someone in every household and workplace to learn the signs to ensure they receive prompt treatment like Marcus did."
