Stroke Survivor to Run Length of Everest to Support the Stroke Foundation

A man whose stroke landed him in a wheelchair is now planning to run the equivalent of Mount Everest to raise awareness of stroke and support the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand.

An avid runner, Christchurch-based Mark Ford was only 41 when he had a stroke in February 2019. He had an undiagnosed hole in his heart which allowed a blood clot to form and travel to his brain, resulting in a stroke.

Mark's stroke left him paralysed on one side of his body. He couldn't speak or swallow, and he was struck with severe migraines.

"Back then, a marathon for me was re-learning to tie my shoelaces, to button my own shirt, to walk unaided," Mark says. "I will never forget my sense of achievement when I conquered them."

Mark started running again five months after his stroke. Since then, he's tackled several longdistance running events, including the 85km backcountry marathon Old Ghost Ultra in February 2024.

And now he has a new goal: running three ultra-marathons that are at least 100km each. With a combined elevation of 9800m, it’s the equivalent of running up Mount Everest – and then some.

"It’s going to be a challenge," Mark says. "But nothing like the challenge of overcoming a stroke.”

As well as raising awareness of stroke, Mark is aiming to raise $10,000 for the Stroke Foundation where he is a member of the charity’s Board.

"Nearly every stroke survivor, like I did, will need to access critical treatments like physiotherapy, rehabilitation equipment, modifications to their home or car, or support to return to work," Mark says. "These services are inconsistent, there is a rural/urban divide and there are gaps and delays in accessing essential rehabilitation services, due to insufficient Government funding. Without the Stroke Foundation more stroke survivors would fall through the cracks - I've seen it with my own eyes."

Mark wants to inspire others to challenge themselves.

"I want to show that we can all do more than we think we can,” Mark says. “Whatever your marathon is for you – from brushing your teeth, taking a few steps on your own, getting back to work, or going for that weekly swim – you can do it."

You can donate to Mark's fundraiser here: https://bit.ly/MF-UTMB