Grafton’s Bob Carnaby has been selected as a Stroke Foundation 2020 Stroke Awards finalist in the Volunteer of the Year Award category.
Bob joined Stroke Foundation’s StrokeSafe Speaker program in 2018 after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, otherwise known as Atrial Fibrillation (AF); a condition that can lead to strokes.
In 2019, Bob delivered presentations to 26 workplaces and community groups reaching close to 800 people in the Northern Rivers, part of the federal electorate of Page which has the second highest incidence of stroke in Australia.
“Determined not to become another statistic, I took steps to manage this condition and reassess my own diet and lifestyle. I decided to join the StrokeSafe program to help others learn about what they could do to avoid stroke,” Bob said.
“Through these presentations I feel I am doing what I can to help others understand their risk factors for stroke and make healthy lifestyle choices.”
Stroke Foundation New South Wales State manager Rhian Paton-Kelly applauded Bob for his incredible efforts.
“Individuals like Bob Carnaby are extremely generous with their time and go above and beyond to improve the state of stroke in Australia,” Ms Paton-Kelly said.
“Each Stroke Awards finalist has a unique story to share – whether that is overcoming adversity, inventing creative ways to raise vital funds or awareness of stroke, or advocating for improvement in stroke services at a state or national level.
“The awards are our way of saying thank you.”
The Volunteer of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by NAB Education & Community Business and is one of six categories in the 2020 Stroke Awards. The awards recognise the incredible individuals in our community who strive to make the future brighter for people impacted by stroke. These include the stroke survivors, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and researchers who are relentless in their mission to enhance recovery and make a real difference.
Bob is one of five Volunteer of the Year Award finalists. More than 60 people were nominated for the awards this year across six categories: Improving Life after Stroke, Creative, Courage, Fundraiser of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and President’s Achievement.
2020 Stroke Awards winners will be announced Tuesday 5 May 2020.