February newsletter 2026

Welcome to your go-to for information, news and events relating to stroke.

As we all return to our regular schedules, I’d like to take the time to share some tips for maintaining healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase your stroke risk, and I have a list of simple actions you can take to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy.

This month we're following up with Mark Ford. To date Mark has run two ultra-marathons in support of Stroke Aotearoa. Later this year he’s setting off on his next adventure but first he has some insights about stroke recovery and perseverance to share with you.

Then you can read about the wonderful Rodney Aphasia group who are using speech therapy to give stroke survivors back their voice.

And in September you could join a group of dedicated Stroke Aotearaoa supporters who are headed to the Camino de Santiago trek in Spain. The group will trek 100km across Spain to raise vital funds to support people affected by stroke.

Finally, your support has enabled Health15 to get out into the community and deliver preventative healthcare. Hear how the initiative is helping workers to minimise their stroke risk with blood pressure checks and other preventative healthcare.

Mark wears many hats. He is a stroke survivor, ultra-marathon runner, dad, and proud Stroke Aotearoa board member. Now, Mark is aiming to run three ultra marathons in support of our work. Most recently he took on the 161km UTMB world series and now he's preparing for his biggest challenge yet.

You can watch our post-race catch up with Mark where we talked about marathon running, stroke recovery and staying resilient. Mark has some excellent insights to share from his last race.

“I was lucky enough to finish the race, and my coach was at the finish line on the MC. The first thing she asked me was ‘how was that?’ I said, ‘that was bloody hard.’ She said, ‘how does that compare to a stroke?’ and I said, ‘this is a walk in the park compared to stroke survival.’”

Mark is heading off again in August 2026 to take part in the UMTB Mont Blanc, a 174km alpine race int the Alps on the border of France and Italy. If you'd like to support Mark on his journey you can donate here

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is one of the most important and effective ways to stay well and reduce your stroke risk. High blood pressure (BP) is a leading cause of stroke. Healthy blood pressure not only protects your brain, it helps protect your heart, eyes, and kidneys.
To keep you well and living life to the fullest here are some suggestions:

• Be smoke and vape-free
• Eat less salt and processed food
• Be active
• Take medication as prescribed 
• Check your blood pressure regularly
• Keep alcohol intake low
• Check and manage cholesterol levels
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage diabetes well 

Read more on high blood pressure and find our free resources here.

Construction is a high-pressure job. The mental and physical pressures of construction work can put workers at higher risk of stroke. Health15 has been fighting this trend since 2023 by partnering with construction companies to deliver health checks to busy workers. 

Health15 removes cost and time barriers, delivering healthcare to the doorsteps of construction workers by providing mobile health checks on worksites. And now we've partnered with eight of Aotearoa's leading health charities to expand the program. The program carries out checks for blood pressure and atrial fibrillation. And in its expanded form also checks blood glucose, cholesterol and skin cancers and provides lifestyle assessments and referrals for follow-up care. 

Stroke survivor, Stroke Aotearoa board member and The Building Intelligence Group (TBIG) Co-Director Jamie Summers caught up with Stuff news. He shared his story and talked about the positive impacts of the program. Watch the video to see Health15 in action and learn how you're making a difference.

I'm so excited to be back for another year of important mahi to support people affected by stroke. Stay well and I’ll see you again next month. Ma te wa.

Jess Winchester

General Manager Marketing & Fundraising | Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand