Paul Carter, 55, from Darlington, is encouraging people across the North East of England to take on a walking marathon challenge for the Stroke Association this summer.
The charity’s newest fundraising initiative, Walk Your Way, will see people walking the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) in either one go, over a couple of days, or over a week or two to help conquer stroke.
Paul was inspired to raise funds for the Stroke Association after he had a stroke in August 2016 while driving a truck in Scotland. Paul, a HGV driver, managed to pull the truck over as a work colleague recognised the signs of a stroke and called the local depot to take Paul to hospital.
Paul said: “The Stroke Association is such an amazing charity and I am so excited to dig out my walking boots with my wife Janet, and raise much needed funds for such a worthy cause.
“The charity’s website was such a helpful tool for helping me understand my stroke, and they gave me and my family with a lot of information and advice at a really hard time. That’s why I want to raise funds for the Stroke Association to help other people recovering from a stroke to get the support they need.”
Kelly KnightingWykes, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re very excited to launch this fun new summer challenge. We’re calling on everyone in the North East to join Paul and get their walking shoes on for the Stroke Association. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned rambler, or if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy some fresh air and exercise. All you need to do is take your first step and you’ll be on your way to changing the lives of stroke survivors.
”This is your challenge – do it your way. All we ask is that everyone taking part encourages their friends, family and colleagues to sponsor them so that together we can take a step closer to ensuring that stroke survivors get the support they need, when they need it.”
Walk Your Way kicks off on Monday 19 June 2017, and fundraisers have 14 days to complete the distance.
Entry is completely free and all participants will receive a full fundraising pack which includes a booklet with a training plan, sponsorship form and a record chart to monitor daily distance. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/walk, email mailto:walk@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740