General News
13 May, 2022
Mum’s passion earns national award
A PASSION to raise awareness for moyamoya and strokes has earned Ravenshoe mum and businesswoman Nicola Baker the title of Best Fundraiser of the Year at the National Stroke Foundation Awards.
A PASSION to raise awareness for moyamoya and strokes has earned Ravenshoe mum and businesswoman Nicola Baker the title of Best Fundraiser of the Year at the National Stroke Foundation Awards.
After her now 18-year-old son Jed was diagnosed with moyamoya at the age of four, Ms Baker set out on a mission to raise awareness and funds for research into the stroke causing disease.
Ms Baker has taken part in many fundraisers, including her Blue Tie Ball which was held over the weekend and has raised thousands of dollars going towards the cause. She also took part in Stroke Foundation’s physical activity campaign, Stride4Stroke, for the eighth year in a row last year, creating a team which raised almost $5,000. Ms Baker humbly accepted the award and feels honoured to be recognised.
“I wasn’t able to make it to the actual event as I was doing two fundraisers at the time and I just happened to be at the local cross country when I got the call and they told me I had won,” she said. “It is super nice to be acknowledged and to help people understand what moyamoya is and how it affects people and their lives” Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Sharon McGowan congratulated Ms Baker on her efforts and recognised her inspiration, Jed.
“Nicola is demonstrating a lifelong commitment to supporting her son and advocating for research which will help many more people affected by stroke,” Ms McGowan said. “The indication of just how Nicola’s ongoing efforts have impacted others in the community shone through in the nominations for this award, as so many individuals wrote in to share their admiration and thanks for her work.” Ms Baker has also been nominated for the “Michelle Commin” Award for Cairns Businesswomen’s Club awards coming up in July.
