​Doncaster woman prepares to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to help conquer stroke

A Doncaster woman is preparing to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Police officer Sarah Daniels, 35, was inspired to take on the epic challenge after her grandad Rufus Daniels had a severe stroke two years ago, before he sadly passed away at the age of 86.

Sarah said: “My grandad was a military man and very independent for his age. He was a single father of three for many years after my grandmother died. His stroke took everything from him; his independence and self-confidence. He was left paralysed down the left side of his body and was wheelchair bound. Although doctors initially said he wouldn't return home, he surprised everyone and managed it with help.”

Sarah is now preparing to fly to Tanzania on Friday 29 September and will spend six days climbing the highest mountain in Africa, before returning home on Sunday 08 October.

Sarah added: “I wanted to do something to help, and the Stroke Association is a cause close to my heart. I was so shocked to read the amount spent on stroke research compared to other illnesses; just £56 million is spent on stroke research in the UK, compared to £544 million on cancer research.

“I knew I wanted to do something that would really challenge me both physically and mentally, and after much research decided on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I’m hoping to raise £5,000 and my training is going well so far. I've joined a running club to increase my fitness and have always been an active member of a gym. I know during the climb my grandad will be there with me, spurring me on.”

Louise Knight, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital that we have people like Sarah to help raise funds. We’re incredibly grateful to her for taking on this extremely demanding challenge to support the Stroke Association. The money raised will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke and their families and carers, as well as helping to prevent people from having a stroke.”

To support Sarah, visit: www.JustGiving.com/fundraising/Daniels-Sarah. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.

Across the UK, more than a million people are rebuilding their lives after stroke. By supporting Make May Purple you can help us to make sure stroke gets the attention it deserves and to raise vital funds for innovative research into stroke care and treatment. To get involved with Make May Purple and help to change the story for stroke survivors, visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple