Press release -
Mother and daughter take a Step Out for Stroke in Plymouth
A mother and daughter are set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke event in Hoe Park on Saturday 13 May.
Sara Rogers, 37, was inspired to take part in the Step Out with her mother, Lynne Wilbur, after her step-father, Fred, had a devastating stroke ten years ago. The stroke left Fred with locked-in syndrome, a condition which caused paralysis in all parts of his body, apart from the muscles that control eye movement. As a result, Fred can only communicate using his eyes.
Sara, a student at Plymouth University said: “Within an instant Fred’s life was turned upside down. Stroke is a cruel condition, and Fred’s stroke has really opened my eyes to just how devastating it can be. It inspired me to quit my job as a teaching assistant and go to university to study Occupational Therapy. I want to work with the charity and stroke survivors, to support people like Fred in their life after stroke.
“Mum and I wanted to do something to help the Stroke Association with the incredible work they do. We'll also be joined by my three beautiful children. The Step Out will be emotional for us both, but I know we’ll feel so proud to be there on the day.
“We hope that through taking part in the Step Out, we can help raise more awareness of stroke. Fred was a fit and healthy 59-year-old, we never dreamed that anything like this could happen to him.”
Jayne Hughes, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level. We’re hugely grateful to Sara and Lynne for their incredible support and for joining us at this year’s event.
“We’re inviting the whole community to come to this fun day out and help us make it an event to remember. Our Step Out for Stroke events mark a milestone for many stroke survivors taking part, and it’s an event that the whole family will enjoy. Everyone taking part will be joined by hundreds of people across the UK who are walking to raise vital funds for everyone affected by stroke.”
To find out more about Step Out for Stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout
To sponsor Sara and Lynne, please visit:www.justgiving.com/Sara-Lynne1 or www.justgiving.com/Lynne-Wilbur