Press release -
12-year-old swimmer tackles Great North Swim for the Stroke Association
Tilly Barlow from Trawden, will be the youngest swimmer to take part in the Great North Swim on 11 June 2016, at just 12 years old.
Tilly turns 12 on the day of the swim. She decided to take on the half mile swimming challenge for the Stroke Association after her Grandad, Henry Pearson, had a stroke and sadly passed away in May 2015, at the age of 69.
Tilly said: “The Stroke Association really helped my Grandad a lot after his stroke, but sadly he died this time last year. We share the same birthday, which will be on the day of the swim, and I thought this would be a great way to honour his memory and help raise funds for the charity.
“I really enjoy swimming and playing in the water, especially outdoors. Last year my Mum completed the Great North Swim and after that we started swimming together in the River Dee, at Capernwray Quarry and in Lake Burwain. Open water swimming makes me feel free and peaceful, and I can’t wait to take the plunge on 11 June! ”
Annie Moran, Events Officer at the Stroke Association, said: ““With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We’re incredibly grateful to Tilly for taking on this challenge; the funds she’s raised will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, as well as their families and carers.”
To sponsor Tilly, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tilly-Barlow. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is one of the largest causes of disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
