​Barrowford resident leads walkers to fundraising success

Carole Taylor, 49, from Barrowford, has organised a sponsored walk in memory of her mother who passed away from a stroke, raising more than £1,460 for the Stroke Association.

Carole, a local government officer, organised the Taylor Made Cross Bay Walk, an eight mile walk across Morecambe Bay, on Sunday 18 June. She was inspired to arrange the event to mark 10 years since her mother, Nellie Taylor, died after a stroke at the age of 80.

Carole was joined by 24 walkers beginning at the picturesque promenade of Arnside and finishing at Kents Bank, near Grange-over-Sands. The route ensured plenty of panoramic views of the surrounding Lakeland hills and those of Lancashire and Yorkshire. The first mile and a half of the walk was along the beach covering rocky ground, path and roads, before moving onto the sands at White Creek.

Carole said: “It’s been 10 years this year since my mum died from a stroke, so I wanted to organise something special in her memory. My mum lived in Morecambe, so this seemed like a really fitting tribute. I chose to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association to help stroke survivors get the treatment they need and the lifelong support they deserve.

“It was a brilliant day that I will never forget! We had 24 walkers take part in the event, and I’m thrilled with the final amount raised. We even have more walkers who couldn’t make this date who are planning to do the walk later in the year. I’m so grateful to everyone for their support.”

Mikaela Leape, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke, it is vital that we have people who can raise funds and help us to conquer stroke. We’re really grateful to Carole for organising the sponsored walk in memory of her mum Nellie. The money raised will fund vital research and support for stroke survivors, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.”

To sponsor the team at the Taylor Made Cross Bay Walk, visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/taylormadecrossbaywalk

The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading stroke charity which campaigns to improve stroke care; supports people to make the best recovery they can; and funds ground-breaking research to change the lives of people affected by stroke. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.