Determined: Over the next few months, 29-year-old Tommy Quick will complete the remaining stages of a whopping 9000km cycle after a car accident interrupted his mission.
More than a year after his mission was derailed by a horrific accident, Tommy Quick has hit the road again, travelling through Broadford, Seymour, Mangalore and Avenel on March 25.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
A young survivor of stroke, Tommy is aiming is to be the first in Australia to ride a recumbent trike to the four most extreme points of the mainland.
The 9000-kilometre ride will go as far north as Cape York, east to Byron Bay, south to Wilson’s Promontory and far west to Steep Point.
Tommy, 29, had a life-changing stroke at the age of 12 which has impacted him physically and affected his communication, but it hasn’t stopped him from achieving great things.
He said he aims to raise $1 million for the Stroke Foundation.
“I’m passionate about social inclusion and I plan on breaking down some common misconceptions about disability,” he said.
“I want people to know that stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. I plan on stopping along the way and speaking with anyone who will listen.”
On a mission: Tommy Quick plans to raise awareness of stroke in young people.
In November 2021, when Tommy was 3638km into his ride, he was hit by a car in South Australia.
“My injuries were severe and the recovery hasn’t been easy. Broken bones hurt like hell, but unlike the brain, they are faster to heal,” Tommy said.
“My parents saw the whole crash unfold. Mum actually thought I was dead. It was very confronting for them.”
After more than a year out of the saddle, and months of gruelling rehab to repair a shattered pelvis, displaced sacrum and broken leg, Tommy is getting back on the recumbent trike and resuming his epic pedalling challenge.
“It’s been a tough year for me, both mentally and physically, however I’m back better and more determined than ever to get somewhere,” he said.
Stroke Foundation marketing executive directo John De Rango said Tommy’s determination and perseverance were commendable.
“He has overcome huge challenges in his life but it hasn’t stopped him from making big achievements,” Mr De Rango said.
“Tommy is doing a great job in addressing the misconception that stroke only impacts older Australians.
“Evidence shows that while the overall incidence of stroke in Australia has been declining, stroke incidence rates in young people of working age have been increasing over time.”
There are 123,977 Australians of working age (aged 18–64) living with the impact of stroke.
12°C