Oxford man braves wing walk in memory of father

Adrian Bodimeade, 69 from East Hanney, is braving a wing walk to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association’s awareness month, Make May Purple for Stroke.

Adrian was inspired to take on the challenge in memory of his father who had a stroke in 2003 and passed away in 2013.

Adrian said: “Dad’s stroke was a really distressing time for the whole family, especially my mother. My dad had a communication difficulty after his stroke called aphasia, and he never regained the ability to communicate again. With thanks to the Stroke Association and the incredible support from friends and family though, we were able to better understand how to support dad.

“After my dad’s stroke, I decided to volunteer for the Stroke Association to help other stroke survivors and their loved ones. I’m now an ambassador for the charity, and work closely with the local community to raise awareness of stroke. I’m raising funds for the Stroke Association to help other families affected by stroke to get the support they need. The charity does so much to raise awareness of this terrible condition.”

Adrian’s wing walk takes place on Saturday 5 May during Make May Purple for Stroke. The Stroke Association is encouraging everyone to go purple this May, and raise vital funds to show support people affected by stroke.

Natalie Bettinson, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “As well as physical and emotional problems, stroke can rob people of their ability to speak, read and write. Around a third of people who have a stroke will experience a communication difficulty called aphasia. For many stroke survivors, getting their life back on track after a stroke means overcoming life-changing disabilities and emotional trauma. But they can’t do this on their own. Every day people across the UK are regaining their independence with the support of the Stroke Association and others. We’re incredibly grateful to Adrian for taking on this brave challenge to help raise funds for people affected by stroke.”

To find out more about this year’s Make May Purple and how you can get involved, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple