Press release -
Camberley boy wins national carers award
Edward Pearce, 13, from Camberley, Surrey, has been awarded a Life After Stroke Carers Award by the Stroke Association. Edward was presented with his award by rugby legend Michael Lynagh at a glittering ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London on 1 November 2017.
Edward’s father, Andy, had a severe haemorrhagic stroke in May 2013 and Edward’s parents separated in 2014. Realising that his father needed support, Edward chose to remain with his dad, and became his primary carer. Since then, Edward has taken on housework, cooking, and looking after his father’s needs. He gets up at 6am every day to clean and sort washing before walking 2.5 miles to school.
Andy Pearce, Edward’s father said: “It is hard to express just how incredibly proud I am of Edward. He is my rock. Without him I would be on my own, and struggling to cope with the effects of my stroke. He has been forced to grow up extremely quickly and yet he never complains. It breaks my heart that he isn’t having a “normal” childhood. Every day I wish that Edward didn’t have to shoulder so much responsibility, but he’s growing into a mature, kind and caring young man and I’m so happy he’s getting this award.”
Despite a demanding caring schedule, Edward keeps up with his school work. He was recently given eight platinum awards for attitude to learning in a recent school report. However, his real passion is football and he regularly plays with Mytchett Athletic FC.
Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association said: “Edward’s decision to care for his father in stressful circumstances is outstanding, and demonstrates real maturity at such a young age. Caring can be extremely hard, even if you are helping someone you love. Edward’s selflessness and his commitment are inspiring. In adversity he has stepped up and shown himself to be both generous and capable. He really is a stroke hero.”
The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards celebrate the achievements of unsung heroes who are helping to conquer stroke. To find out more about the Life after Stroke Awards please visit www.stroke.org.uk/lasa
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The Stroke Association
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 100,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
The 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
Sponsors
The 2017 Life After Stroke Awards are sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation. More information can be found at: www.toniandguyfoundation.org.uk
The Life After Stroke Carers Award is sponsored by Well pharmacy. For more information visit
