Dan Preston was just 44 when he experienced two strokes in one night back in 2021, and more recently a smaller stroke in November 2024.
And while the road to recovery has not been easy, it resulted in a new and unique small business venture called Tinka & Co, which all began as part of Preston’s rehabilitation.
As a result of the strokes, Preston is now legally blind, lives with a cognitive disability, and experiences chronic fatigue, but thankfully, his speech and movement returned with time and rehab.
Following the strokes, he and his husband Will Cochrane moved to the Central Coast to embrace a quieter lifestyle and be closer to family.
It’s now been their home for three years, and it’s also where they run Tinka & Co, a handmade dog accessories and treat business based in Niagara Park.
It all started when Preston came home from rehab and the couple adopted a Cavalier spaniel, Tinka.
“I’d hoped a dog might help Dan regain strength in his affected hand and assist with balance and routine,” Cochrane said.
“At the time, we were living in a third floor apartment that didn’t suit his needs, so we temporarily moved in with Dan’s parents on the South Coast.
“Dan was sleeping a lot, and one day his mum gently nudged him by saying: You won’t get better if you don’t start doing things.
“She taught him to sew bandanas and snoods, and slowly the idea for our business was born.
“This was during COVID, so much of his formal rehab was paused or online, making this little venture an important outlet.”
What started as a creative outlet turned into a thriving small business and a platform to raise awareness for the Stroke Foundation, particularly during campaigns like the Bloke Beside You, running from June 9 to June 15.
According to the Stroke Foundation, every day, another Australian man is changed by stroke.
Men are nearly 50% more likely to experience a stroke than women, yet they’re 13% less likely to recognise the signs when they see them.
The Bloke Beside You campaign aims to get all Australians to look out for the bloke beside you – your mate, your dad, your brother, your colleague – and start a conversation about stroke and to learn the FAST signs: Face – is their face drooping? Arms – can they raise both arms? Speech – is their speech slurred? Time – time is critical. Call 000.
Preston is using Tinka & Co to support Stroke Awareness Week and is donating $1 from every product sold to the Stroke Foundation.
He is also sharing his story to encourage other men to recognise stroke signs early.
Preston previously worked in disability support, but sadly received no support from his employer after the strokes and was let go via email.
“That moment reinforced the importance of advocacy and rebuilding on our own terms,” Cochrane said.
“Our journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s a reminder that recovery can look different for everyone.
“Pets have played a huge part in Dan’s rehabilitation, our mental health, and our resilience as a couple.
“We now use our business to share Dan’s story, raise stroke awareness, and hopefully inspire others.
“Before all this, I didn’t even know what a stroke was let alone the signs of one.
“Learning the FAST method changed our lives, and we want to help others learn it too.”
