Richard Nash is a proud father to five children and a loving parent of a "chrome baby", a striking red Mercedes-Benz affectionately known as "Bert".
The 49-year-old credits "Bert" with helping him recover from a stroke he suffered in 2016.
The Ballarat resident recalls it was a morning "like any other" when he went to work at the marketing and design company he co-owned with his brother.
"At 9.30am, I suddenly felt ill, fell over … then my last memory is being put into the back of the ambulance," Mr Nash said.
That same day, the then 43-year-old underwent life-saving brain surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
During the 10 days that followed in the intensive care unit, doctors determined Mr Nash — an otherwise fit and healthy non-smoker — had inherited a rare blood clotting disorder and congenital heart defect, which triggered the stroke.
Once he returned to Ballarat, Mr Nash worked closely with a neurologist who encouraged him to immerse himself in brain-boosting activities as part of his rehabilitation.
A lover of classic cars, he decided to dedicate hundreds of hours to transforming his 1972 Mercedes-Benz W108 from "good to very good".
"It's a member of the family, to be honest," he says.
"It brings joy when you're in it, and bringing joy when you've had a near-death experience, is important.
Mr Nash recently finished up rehabilitation with his neurologist and is now working full-time as a teacher at Federation University.
He's also putting his energy into restoring a new friend for Bert — a 1969 Honda motorcycle called "Ernie."
"It's in the shed, and I'm pulling it to pieces," Mr Nash said.
While Mr Nash says everyday life is practically back to normal, he admits managing post-stroke chronic fatigue is an ongoing challenge.
"There are days when it just gets you," he said.
Not just older people at risk
Stroke Foundation chief executive, Sharon McGowan, says Mr Nash's survival story should act as a timely health reminder for all Australians.
"Stroke can happen to anyone at any age," she said.
"Our data shows that 24 per cent of stroke in Australia happens to people under the age of 54."
Ms McGowan said the number of stroke sufferers aged 54 and under more than doubled between 2013–2020.
While further research is needed to determine the cause of the spike, a driving factor is lifestyle choices.
"Keeping blood pressure under control is the key factor in reducing your risk of stroke," Ms McGowan said.
The charity is now encouraging the community to learn or revise the key signs of stroke, or F.A.S.T, which are Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time.
"Every stroke is a medical emergency, every stroke is a Triple-Zero call," she said.
