​Royal Mail manager tackles London Marathon in memory of his mum

A Royal Mail manager from Widnes will take on the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 26 April, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association in memory of his mother.

Eric Ireland, 39, works in the Quality and Customer Team at Royal Mail, a role which sees him travel all over the country. His mother Vivian had her initial stroke aged just 51 followed by a major stroke aged just 55, which left her completely paralysed on her left hand side. However, a second serious stroke aged 65 left Vivian completely disabled and she sadly passed away two years later.

Eric said: “After my mum’s first major stroke, she was wheelchair bound and her personality completely changed, but she still lived as much of a normal life as possible. However, after her second major stroke it was a really tough two years, which is why I’ve chosen to raise money for the Stroke Association. I want to help them provide support to other families affected by stroke.

“This is my first marathon, but I’ve take part in a few half marathons before. Training is going well and I’ve been following a training plan, running five nights a week. I’ve been delighted by all the donations from my family, friends and colleagues. Their support and knowing that I’m running in memory of my Mum will help me get over the finish line. So far I’ve raised around £4,500 including matched funding from Royal Mail.”

Eric is among the Royal Mail Group staff across the country who are fundraising for their Charity of the Year partnership with the Stroke Association.

Lily Heinemann, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Community Investment at Royal Mail, said: “The Virgin London Marathon is such an iconic event and a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for our Charity of the Year. We’re thrilled to have so many Royal Mail runners just like Eric supporting the Stroke Association and taking on the 26 miles of London streets to help us to raise vital funds in aid of Life after Stroke Grants. In the next two years, we want to raise at least £2 million for the Stroke Association, so that we can change the lives of thousands of people affected by stroke.”

Louise Lawless, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, added: “Stroke can be devastating, but with the support of people like Eric we can make a real difference to people affected by stroke. We’ll be cheering him on every step of the way as he races through London this April.”

The Stroke Association was chosen as Royal Mail Group’s Charity of the Year after receiving almost 40,000 staff votes. The company aims to raise at least £2 million for the Stroke Association over the course of the partnership. Every penny raised will help the charity provide Life After Stroke grants of up to £300 to help 10,000 stroke survivors. These grants fund equipment to give stroke survivors more independence and support as they take their first steps back into the community.

For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk. To sponsor Eric visit http://www.sponsorme.co.uk/ericireland/virgin-2015-london-marathon.aspx