Stoke advocate and awards finalist 'Richard Crookes'

Stroke advocate and Metanoia Rays participant Richard Crookes experienced a stroke while in hospital, just one day before he was due to be discharged after back surgery.

In Richards words, “My speech was slurred, I experienced facial droop and had no movement in my right leg. Thankfully the nurse walked in as it happened, she was in the right place at the right time.

If I wasn’t in hospital at the time of my stroke, if I was at work out on my charter boat, I would have died,” Mr Crookes said.

Since having the stroke, Richard’s life has changed because he now requires additional supports to live the life he chooses. Metanoia Rays Operations Manager and long time friend, Raelene McAdam, has been instrumental in setting Richard up with the supports he needs. And in addition, Metanoia Rays provides support coordination for Richard, linking him with allied health services in the Territory.

Richard is passionate about sharing the Stroke Foundations think 'F.A.S.T' (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) message so everyone can recognise the signs of stroke. His work in sharing his story and stroke message landed him a finalist award in the Stroke Foundation's 'Courage Award' category at this years Stroke Foundation Awards on May 4th 2023 in Melbourne.

Congratulations to Richard on his finalist award. Metanoia Rays applaud him for all the work he does in educating the community on strokes.

The Stroke awareness F.A.S.T. message:

• FACE – has their mouth drooped?
• ARMS – Can they lift both arms?
• SPEECH – Is their speech slurred?
• TIME is critical.

If any of these signs appears, call 000 immediately.