After linking up with a small group attending physiotherapy at Joondalup Health Campus, Sally volunteered to run a National Stroke Foundation support group.
Since 2001, the Northern Suburbs Stroke Support Group has proved a lifeline to up to 100 members and their carers, meeting monthly in Wanneroo.
Although Ted died in early 2002, the ex-nurse stayed with the group, helping advocate for the needs of stroke survivors and carers, organising outings and even escorting 10 members on a trip to Vietnam.
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READ NOWOver the years, the group has secured Lotterywest, Wanneroo and Joondalup council grants for community projects including graffiti removal and landscaping a sporting complex to prove there is life after a stroke.
Sally developed an innovative project linking carers prone to injuries from lifting their charges with physiotherapists to improve wellbeing, securing $60,000 in state government funding to keep the pilot project going.
Her dedication paid off when she won the foundation’s 2013 Improving Life after Stroke Award, presented at the group’s Christmas wind-up last Friday.
‘I was absolutely thrilled but humbled because it’s not me, it’s my little people who are so inspiring, I love them to death,’ she said.
Sally, who is co-ordinator and secretary, believes stroke survivors must be positive and have an aim ” travel, projects, anything that gives them purpose.
‘Nearly all our members put a piece into the Wanneroo Show because they’ve got to have a little goal,’ she said.
‘Several won prizes in such sections as knitting and folk art.’
Patron and Wanneroo deputy mayor Dot Newton said Sally was an inspiring person well deserving of the award.
‘She goes over and above what a normal co-ordinator does,’ Cr Newton said.
‘She is a treasure.’
The support group meets on the second Friday of the month at Wanneroo Recreation Centre, at 3pm.
Call Priscilla on 9403 3456 for details.