After a successful 2020 campaign, ‘Australian Survivor All Stars’ mates Lee Carseldine and David Genat have launched the 2021 Towel Challenge to support Stroke Foundation and its research program.
The launch coincides with Mother’s Day, recognising the close bond Lee shared with his mum Elizabeth, who sadly passed away from a stroke in 2019. The Towel Challenge not only honours Lee’s mum and his dad who is a survivor of stroke, it gets the community talking about stroke in a unique way.
Lee said stroke can be a cruel disease and impacts too many Australians.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my beloved mum – and I know I am not alone,” Lee said.
“More than 27,400 Australians had a stroke for the first time last year. It can change lives in an instant and families can feel the impact for many years to come.
“While the Towel Challenge is a bit of fun, there is a really important message at its heart.”
The Towel Challenge is a stroke awareness and fundraising campaign with two elements – merchandise sales (a calendar and gym towels), of which proceeds go to much needed stroke research, and a social media focus in which the community is encouraged to put on a towel, take a photo and post it to Instagram in black and white. Participants are urged to donate, fundraise and nominate their family and friends to get involved too. It’s easy and you can do it from home.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Sharon McGowan welcomed the return of the Towel Challenge in 2021 and has thanked Lee and David for their ongoing support and commitment to turning the tragic loss of Lee’s mum into an inspiring campaign that is open to everyone.
“The Towel Challenge has an incredible way of raising awareness and funds for stroke by reaching people who may not otherwise talk about the disease,” Ms McGowan said.
“There have been huge advancements in stroke treatment and care in recent years, but there is much more work to do,” Ms McGowan said.
“Stroke can be prevented and it can be treated. High-quality evidence-based research will help us save more lives, reduce disability and benefit generations to come.”
The Towel Challenge raised almost $50,000 in 2020 and David Genat is hoping it will be even bigger this year.
“It is frightening to learn stroke can happen at any age. This is such an important cause to support,” David said.
“We want to thank everyone who donated their time to be involved in the 2021 calendar. It features prominent people from the entertainment and sporting worlds including Sophie Monk, actor Hugh Sheridan, model Natalie Roser and swimmer Emily Seebohm along with survivors of stroke including the fabulous and indomitable Maria Venuti.
“Please show your support for the amazing work Stroke Foundation does by purchasing a calendar or grabbing a towel and putting your pic on social media #towelchallenge.”
Lee and David were recognised on Wednesday for their incredible fundraising efforts in 2020 by winning the Fundraiser of the Year Award at the national Stroke Awards.
Visit the Towel Challenge website to donate, fundraise or buy a calendar or gym towel here
