Pedalling for Purpose: Childhood stroke survivor rolls into Junee

A CHILDHOOD stroke survivor who has pedalled more than 10,000 kilometres across Australia is set to ride into Junee this afternoon, bringing an extraordinary national awareness campaign through the Riverina.

Tommy Quick, 32, will depart Wagga this morning on day three of his eight-day, 450-kilometre push to Parliament House, where he plans to arrive on Sunday to mark the beginning of Childhood Stroke Awareness Week.

The journey is the final chapter in a mission that began in 2021 — a mission born from personal experience.

Tommy suffered a life-changing stroke at just 12 years of age, leaving him with ongoing neurological impacts.

Instead of allowing it to define his future, he turned his experience into advocacy, determined to raise awareness of a condition many Australians still don’t associate with children.

Each year, between 300 and 500 children in Australia suffer a stroke, and around half of survivors live with long-term neurological impairment.

Despite those figures, public awareness remains limited — something Tommy is working to change, one kilometre at a time.

Since setting off four years ago, he has ridden to Australia’s most extreme mainland points on his specially adapted recumbent trike, raising more than $150,000 for the Stroke Foundation to support education programs, awareness campaigns and services for survivors and their families.

Childhood stroke survivor, Tommy Quick has travelled over 10,000km on his recumbent trike | Photo: Supplied

His journey has not been without setbacks.

Tommy survived a serious car crash in South Australia that required a lengthy hospital stay, but returned to complete his goal — even ticking Tasmania off the list last year.

“The final leg of the journey will see me riding to the steps of Parliament House to demand more funding and awareness around childhood stroke,” he said.

“I’ve got a new and improved bike and I’m keen to get going and spread the word. So many people we speak to know little about childhood stroke, and I’m determined to change that.”

The final stretch began Sunday with a rain-soaked 76-kilometre ride from Howlong to Henty.

Tommy Quick and The 4 Points Australia crew pictured at Howlong on Sunday morning | Photo: Supplied

On Monday, he endured mid-30-degree heat on the 65-kilometre run into Wagga, spending nearly five hours on the road.

He is expected to arrive in Junee later today, where he will stay overnight before continuing on to Cootamundra tomorrow.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Lisa Murphy said Tommy’s advocacy was helping Australians understand that stroke can occur at any age and recognise the warning signs.

“What Tommy has already achieved is remarkable, we’re so proud of him,” Dr Murphy said.

“He is a leader for young people living with a disability. If his story has helped educate just one Australian that strokes can happen to people of all ages, and what to look for if they suspect a stroke, then Tommy has achieved what he set out to do.”

Locals are encouraged to give him a wave — or stop and say hello — as he rolls into town this afternoon, continuing a journey defined not just by distance, but by determination.

Tommy is scheduled to arrive in Canberra on Sunday, March 1. You can follow Tommy’s journey through The 4 Points Australia Facebook page.