Peter Couche Stroke Research
Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the country. Research is needed today for improvements in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation strategies, which will result in better outcomes for stroke survivors.
Your gift today will support cutting edge stroke research at the University of Adelaide. The fund will continue a mission to advance stroke research, fellowships and scholarships, with a goal to raise $5 million in support of an academic chair in stroke research at the University.
- Every 19 minutes an Australian will have a stroke
- More than 445,087 Australians are living with the effects of stroke
- Stroke costs the Australian economy $6.2 billion
- Regional Australians are 17% more likely to suffer a stroke than metro
Your donation will be applied towards research activities undertaken at the University of Adelaide relating to stroke.
Matched Giving
We would like to thank the following donors who are matching donations up to $25,000 received on or before 5 September 2024 to the Peter Couche Stroke Research Fund at the University of Adelaide.
- The late Peter Couche and his wife Simona
- Mr. Brian France, AM
- Mrs. Kathleen Hennessy
About Peter Couche
In 1992, Peter Couche, a healthy 42-year-old stockbroker and father of three, experienced a stroke. He became one of the 250,000 Australians living with the aftermath of a stroke and for 30 years lived with “locked-in syndrome,” which left his mind untouched but his body almost entirely paralysed.
Despite immense challenges, Peter significantly contributed to stroke research and awareness through advocacy, fundraising, and sharing his story. In 2010, Peter established the Peter Couche Foundation with his brother Stephen Couche, who chaired the foundation for 13 years. During this time, nearly one million dollars was raised to support stroke research.
Sadly, Peter passed away in September 2023, however, his legacy will continue with an endowed fund with the University of Adelaide. The fund will continue Peter’s mission and aims to raise $5 million to support an academic chair in stroke research at the University.
“The creation of an academic chair dedicated to stroke research would signal the university's commitment to advancing knowledge and finding solutions to prevent and treat strokes. In addition to cutting edge and translational stroke research, the academic chair could lead community outreach initiatives to increase public awareness about strokes and stroke prevention.” Professor Andrew Zannettino