Press release -
Del and Linda take the ultimate leap for stroke survivor Fred
27-04-15
Del and Linda take the ultimate leap for stroke survivor Fred
Two friends Linda Holland from Herne bay and Derek Dummer (Del) from Whitstabletook a massive leap on the 7th April 2015when they completed a skydive to raise funds for the Stroke Association. The pair were motivated to take on a major challenge after they saw the determination of their friend’s Dad, Fred Tugwell, who had a massive stroke last May.
Linda originally decided to skydive after she saw the impact that the stroke had on Fred and his family. She said “I saw him smiling throughout his rehabilitation and was inspired to do something to help others who have a stroke.”
Del started work alongside Linda at Homebase, when she made the decision to make the leap, and said he would love to do something like that.However, at the time Del was 18 stone so wouldn’t be considered medically fit to take part.Linda suggested that he went along to her Weight Watchers class with her.Del adds “I signed up and have never looked back. By April I had lost 5 stone in weight and I knew I was fit enough to take part now.”
The pair were all set for their Skydive at Headcorn on the 20th February 2015 but the weather prevented them from taking the leap.They finally did it leaping in tandem from 14,000 feet on the 7th April.Speaking after the jump Linda said:
“After doing the dive it was an amazing feeling knowing that we had succeeded in doing this for all the people like Fred Tugwell that have suffered a stroke and those not so fortunate to get through it as I lost a niece at the age of 38. And to know every penny raised will help to improve their day to day living. It’s a great feeling knowing that we can help these people.I was so proud of Del who worked so hard to lose 5 stone to do this.Big thanks have to go to the weightwatchers team in Herne Bay and Wren Kitchens in Thanet who supported us 100% and for the T’shirts.”
So far Del and Linda have raised just over £1,200 online and offline but would love to increase that to £1,500. If you want to add your support please visit https://www.justgiving.com/Lindaholland1/
Rachel Lees, Fred’s daughter said; “Del and Linda are two amazing people who deserve some recognition.My Dad is home now and improving every day. He has loved to watch Linda and Del’s achievement and is really touched that they have done this on his behalf.”
Ends
For further information or to set up interviews please contact Cheryl Randeria on 07810 697957.
Photo caption: Del and Linda (in Wren kitchen t'shirts) with stroke survivor Fred Tugwell and his wife Penny.
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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 the leading cause of severe adult 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
