Cookham stroke survivor goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Press release -

Cookham stroke survivor goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Neil Rogers, 59 from Cookham, is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon for the Stroke Association, to mark two years since his life-changing stroke.

In April 2016, Neil had a stroke whilst at a meal with his family. Neil said: “I’m so thankful that I was with my family the night I had my stroke. Things could had been very different if they weren’t there. I don’t really remember much of what happened, but I do remember not feeling well and struggling to open my jacket. My wife Sharon and daughter Maddy noticed my face had slightly dropped on one side, and could see that I was struggling to move my arm. I started to slur my words, and that’s when Maddy called for an ambulance.”

Neil was rushed to Wycombe hospital and received thrombolysis, a clot-busting treatment. Neil spent three days in hospital, and made a full recovery.

Neil will be taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 22 April alongside his daughter Maddy.

Neil added: “Training has been tough, especially in these colder months! But we are really determined to keep going, because I know that when I get to the finish line with Maddy - we’ll be so proud. Stroke is devastating, it can change your life in an instant and I believe everyone should have the right help and support to make the best recovery they can. That’s why we are raising money for the Stroke Association, so they can help other stroke survivors and fund vital research into stroke.”

Emma Evans, Events Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Around 1.2 million people in the UK are living with the devastating impact of stroke. We’re thrilled Maddy and Neil are taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and we’re looking forward to cheering them on as they make their way through London.

“A stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it turns lives upside down. With the support of people like Neil and Maddy we can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Neil and Maddy, please visit: Justgiving.com/maddyandneilrogers

Topics

  • 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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK