Press release -
Herne Bay resident takes on 8th Marathon at 80
17th April 2015
80 year old Alan Dudney is getting ready to put his best foot forward as he takes on the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
Alan’s no novice when it comes to covering the 26.2 mile route, as it will be the eighth time he’s taken on the London Marathon.
Alan’s life was turned upside down by stroke in 1965, when his wife, Daphne, had a stroke at the age of just 25. The marathon will mark almost 50 years to the day since Daphne had her stroke.
Alan said: ‘I’m dedicating what will be my final marathon to Daphne. Her courage and determination to cope with her disability over the years has been truly inspiring. So many advancements have been made in stroke treatment and care over the last 50 years, and I’m so pleased to be fundraising for a charity that has helped make this possible.
‘When Daphne had her stroke, neither of us had any idea that it could happen to someone so young. It was always seen as something that happened to your grandparents, so it came as huge shock to us. As well as raising funds for the Stroke Association, I’m hoping to make people aware that stroke can affect anyone, at any age.
‘Running the marathon is no mean feat, especially at my age, but I’m hoping to finish in about six hours. It’s certainly going to be a challenge, but I’m determined to make it over the finish line!’
Michelle Bowdidge, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: ‘Alan is a real inspiration to us all – he’s dedication to both his wife Daphne and to taking on the marathon for the Stroke Association is truly outstanding.
We’ve come a long way in how we prevent, treat and care for stroke survivors, but there’s still a lot more we can do. That’s why the support from our fantastic fundraiser like Alan is vital so we can help even more people who have been affected by stroke.
To sponsor Alan, visit www.justgiving.com/Alan-Dudney3. To find out more about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk or call our helpline on 0303 3033 100.
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For interviews, photographs or more information, please contact: Cheryl Randeria on 07810 697957 or email Cheryl.randeria@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 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
