One month ago, Matt, a 44-year-old from Wodonga, couldn’t walk, use his arm or hand properly, or communicate clearly.
After suffering a stroke linked to a serious heart infection, Matt was treated at The Alfred Hospital before being transferred back to Albury Wodonga Health for inpatient rehabilitation in Wodonga.
The impact of the stroke was severe. Matt experienced significant weakness in his arm and leg, changes to his speech, and was dependent on hospital staff for almost all daily tasks.
“When I first came into Wodonga Hospital, I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t use my hand. I couldn’t talk properly or do things on my own,” the ex-Air Force member and photographer said.
Starting again, step by step
In the early days of rehab, even standing and taking a few steps required intense focus and support. With physiotherapy, Matt began practising walking short distances — initially just 10 to 20 metres using a forward walker.
At the same time, occupational therapy and upper limb group sessions focused on rebuilding strength and coordination in his arm and hand. He practised grasping and releasing objects, stacking items, and relearning everyday movements needed for life at home.
“These are things you don’t think about – picking things up, getting dressed, making breakfast,” he said.
Matt also attends a daily breakfast group, held in a communal kitchen designed to help patients practise real-life tasks such as preparing meals and moving safely around shared spaces — essential skills for returning home.
Speech pathology sessions have helped him relearn how to spell, write and communicate more clearly, using computer-based activities to retrain his brain.
“It’s hard work every day, but you can see the improvement,” he said.
Real progress in a short time
Stroke recovery is most rapid in the first six to eight weeks, making early access to Allied Health critical. In just three weeks of intensive inpatient rehabilitation, Matt’s progress has been significant.
He has moved from a powered wheelchair to walking independently around the ward using a four-wheel walker. He now walks to the gym for therapy sessions, uses his affected hand more confidently, and completes many daily activities with far less assistance.
“I can walk now. I didn’t think that would happen so quickly,” he said.
Why Allied Health matters
Matt says the biggest difference has been the encouragement and expertise of the Allied Health team around him.
“They push me, telling me ‘just one more step, one more try’, but they’re always positive. They make you believe you can do it.”
For Matt, his progress highlights just how vital Allied Health services are to recovery after stroke.
“The therapy works, but you need the time, the people and the equipment to do it properly,” he said.
He’s also seen firsthand how important the right environment and equipment are for recovery.
“Some of the equipment is old or improvised. With better equipment, people could get better faster and spend less time in hospital,” he said. “The quicker you recover, the quicker you get home. That’s what matters.”
The SS&A City2City Run Walk on Sunday 22 February raises funds for Allied Health services at Albury Wodonga Health, supporting the programs, staff and equipment that help patients like Matt make the most of the crucial early weeks of recovery.
Friends and family are already planning to take part in the SS&A City2City for him, and Matt hopes he’ll be there on the day to cheer them on.
After just three weeks, Matt is already proving what’s possible with the right support – rebuilding strength, confidence and independence, one step at a time.
By walking, running or donating to the SS&A City2City Run Walk, you’re helping fund Allied Health services at Albury Wodonga Health – the people and programs that help patients like Matt regain independence and get home sooner.
Register or donate today and be part of someone’s recovery journey – go to www.city2city.org.au