A stroke is also called 'a brain attack' or 'an insult to the brain'. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted and brain cells are damaged or die. This can be because a blood vessel is blocked (a clot) or bursts and bleeds into the brain (a haemorrhage).

Learn more or call the National Stroke Foundation on 1800stroke.

Ross’s stroke

Ross haemorrhaged on the morning of 28 January 2001 while we were cycling together in Parramatta Park. A blood vessel burst in the left hemisphere of his brain. The blood vessel had been weakened by many years of undetected - and untreated - high blood pressure.

Significant bleeding stopped the oxygen flow and caused cell death in the left hemisphere of Ross’s brain. Major damage was in the left parietal lobe affecting motor, speech, hearing and vision. He is not expected to regain feeling in the right side of his body. Ross also has muscle weakness on the right, called hemiparesis.

Ross developed epilepsy in 2002, caused by hardened scar tissue in his brain.

Ross takes medication to maintain low blood pressure and prevent epileptic seizures. The medication allows Ross to exercise with safety.