MORE THAN COFFEE: A PERSONAL MESSAGE ABOUT STROKE AWARENESS

As coffee professionals, we're used to talking about harvests, origins, quality and supply chains. Today, we're sharing something much more personal.

Recently, our Director, Scott Bennett, experienced a stroke.

Like many families affected by stroke, it happened suddenly and without warning. What followed was a challenging period of treatment, recovery and reflection. Thanks to the quick actions of his wife Jenny, the expertise of healthcare professionals, and the support of family, friends, colleagues and our wider coffee community, Scott has made a strong recovery and is gradually returning to normal life.

Scott Bennett, Director of  H.A. Bennett & Sons Pty Limited

SCOTT'S STORY

One of the reasons Scott wanted to share his experience is to highlight how important it is to recognise the signs of a stroke and act quickly.

"Initially, there were very few obvious signs. It wasn't until Jenny noticed I was dribbling from the left side of my mouth that she became concerned. A short time later she brought me some breakfast, and that's when things really changed."

As Scott reached for his food, he realised he had lost control of his left hand.

"I simply couldn't pick up the food. My hand wasn't doing what I wanted it to do. I was confused and frustrated, but what surprised me most was that I wasn't in any pain. Because I felt otherwise normal, I didn't immediately realise how serious the situation was."

Soon after, his speech became slurred.

"That's when Jenny called an ambulance. The paramedics arrived within minutes and were fantastic. They explained what was happening, reassured us throughout the process and quickly got me to hospital. Looking back, I was showing all the classic signs of a stroke."

Scott's experience is a reminder that strokes don't always happen the way people expect. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can make a life-changing difference.

RECOGNISE THE SIGNS. ACT FAST.

Many people associate stroke with old age, but the reality is that stroke can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It arrives unexpectedly and can have life-changing consequences for individuals, families and businesses alike.

One of the most important lessons from Scott’s experience is the value of recognising the warning signs and acting quickly!

Face – Has their face drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
Time – Time is critical. Call emergency services immediately.

The sooner a stroke is recognised and treated, the better the chance of recovery.

A TIME FOR GRATITUDE

One of the strongest reflections Scott has taken from this experience is a deep sense of gratitude. The care he received at Austin Hospital was exceptional, and he credits the skill, professionalism and compassion of the doctors, nurses and rehabilitation staff with helping him achieve such a positive outcome. Their dedication not only supported his recovery but also left a lasting appreciation for the remarkable work healthcare professionals do every day.

SUPPORTING STROKE AWARENESS AND TREATMENT

Although National Stroke Week (3 - 9 August) has now concluded, the need for stroke awareness, education, research and patient support continues every day of the year.

As coffee professionals, we're naturally interested in the research surrounding coffee and health. While stroke prevention depends on many factors, including blood pressure management, exercise and a healthy lifestyle, some large international studies have suggested that moderate coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of stroke. It's an interesting area of ongoing research and a reminder that our everyday habits can contribute to long-term wellbeing.

If you would like to support this important work, we encourage you to consider making a donation to either of the following organisations:

Stroke Foundation

The Stroke Foundation works to prevent stroke, improve treatment outcomes, support survivors and their families, and raise awareness across Australia.

Austin Health Foundation

As a small way of giving back, Scott would particularly like to acknowledge Austin Health for the outstanding care he received. Donations help support patient care, medical research, equipment and hospital services that make a real difference to patients and families every day.

THANK YOU

Our coffee community is built on relationships, resilience and looking after one another. We are grateful for the support and well wishes many of you have shown during our Scott’s recovery.

If sharing this story helps raise awareness of stroke, encourages someone to recognise the signs sooner, or inspires support for the organisations that care for stroke patients and their families, then it has served its purpose.

Thank you for being part of our community.