ONE MILLION REASONS TO RIDE | SUNDAY 15 JUNE | 130KM | 100KM | 50KM | 20KM
Meet Ty and Max
In August 2021, Ty Welsh, pictured on the left, was warming up for a boxing session in the gym when he suffered an ischemic stroke, destroying nearly 90% of the left side of his brain.
Today, less than four years after this fit 50-year-old was left fighting for his life, Ty is preparing to take on his third MS Brissie to the Bay bike ride.
“I don't know why it happened. Just one of those things,” he says.
With his loving family and personal trainer-turned-carer, Max Cameron, preparing to cheer him on, Ty says that the annual cycling event isn’t just a great day out, it’s an opportunity to help change the lives of Queenslanders fighting neurological conditions.
“It’s a fun event that gives back to people like me.”
Once a signwriter and handyman, Ty has had to adapt to a very different way of living. Navigating significant communication and mobility challenges, he continues to push the limits of his recovery.
Ty’s determination, however, comes as no surprise to his ‘Stroke Blokes’ wingman, Max.
According to the sport loving duo, ongoing physiotherapy in MS Queensland’s specialist gym – accessing state-of-the-art equipment like the C-Mill, a therapy device for neurological rehab - is an important piece of the recovery puzzle.
“Ty has a crack at everything still. He doesn't let it slow him down. He used to surf and box and he’s just doing things differently now – he plays walking football, pickleball and recently completed his own triathlon,” Max says.
“Regaining independence is a big one. He’s now taking the bus into the city by himself and working towards being able to drive again.”
As Ty credits his wife, Carla, children and beloved granddaughter, Poppy, with keeping him motivated, Max says that continuing to ‘live life’ has been crucial.
“Carla has been a big advocate of Ty just living life as if he hasn't had a stroke - still doing things, going out every day. Staying active and sharing what he’s up to on TikTok, to help motivate other people who’ve experienced a stroke, really keeps him going.
“Now it’s about doing the things he enjoys, like sports or going out to eat food and things like that - participating in the community and getting the most out of life.”
“And concerts,” Ty adds, with a smile.
“His MS Queensland support coordinator makes sure he's getting all the things he needs to be able to do the activities he does,” Max says. “And the events have been really important too. Ty's family and my partner and a big crew come along to cheer him on, and it’s an opportunity to interact with everyone else – with people who’re maybe dealing with the same sort of challenges.
“Brissie to the Bay is an awesome day. It's more than just the ride, it’s getting a drink after, having a feed, having the music going and the community that it brings. It's good fun - we look forward to it every year.”
And when the day is over, Max says, its impact remains.
“Having the funds there to get things like the C-mill gives Ty more opportunities to progress his rehab.
“It's super important to have the right team around you and access to the services and facilities that enable you to do things you still enjoy.”
