06-07-2025
Clay Daly to push father with locked-in syndrome through Gold Coast Marathon
When Clay Daly's father suffered a massive stroke, a lot of things went through the 23-year-old's mind, but none of them involved a long-distance running race.
"He was unable to move, unable to talk," Clay said.
"We were told he was going to pass away."
The medical emergency in December 2023 left Clay's father, Mark, with locked-in syndrome — a neurological condition that leaves people physically paralysed but otherwise aware and conscious.
"Everything looks very, very different now in life and around home," Clay said.
The pair has found a new goal and purpose by running the Gold Coast Marathon alongside 39,000 other competitors.
"A marathon itself is a massive ordeal, but while pushing someone in a wheelchair as well — my dad is a big man," Clay said.
"He's over six foot [1.8 metres] and over 100 kilos, so it's a lot to push."
Clay said they expected to finish Sunday's marathon in around four hours, after preparing for the 42-kilometre feat in just six weeks.
"We originally did it just to start running, get out of the house. Get some sun and fresh air," he said.
They even modified a specialised wheelchair for the marathon.
"Along the race, I'm going to have to get my family to meet us at certain points for his food and medication," Clay said.
Strokes are the leading cause of disability in Australia, but around 80 per cent of them can be prevented according to the Stroke Foundation.
Risk factors include high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and heart conditions that affect blood flow.
Clay said he wanted to raise awareness and funds for stroke survivors and their families, and remind people of "the simple pleasures of life".
"My dad hasn't been able to eat food, he has to get fed through a feeding tube now," Clay said.
"We haven't had a proper normal conversation in 18 months like we used to be able to."
The marathon also represents a chance for Clay to connect with his dad on a new level.
"It was something I wanted to do to honour my dad, honour his strength and the pain and suffering that he's been through," Clay said.
"I wanted to fill those boots and take care of him like he has for me all these years."
