Surrey stroke survivor tackles gruelling triathlon challenge

Press release -

Surrey stroke survivor tackles gruelling triathlon challenge

A Woking stroke survivor is preparing to take on the Superhero Tri on Saturday 19 August to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Trainee paramedic, Lauren Bradfield, 24, from Woking, had a stroke in 2012. At the age of just 20, Lauren was left paralysed down the left side of her body, and was told by doctors that she might never walk again.

Lauren said: “Having a stroke is terrifying. I didn’t know what the future held for me. But almost a year after my stroke, I ran 10k for the Stroke Association, I was playing hockey again, and I was able to get back to horse riding. All the things I thought I would never be able to do again were possible.”

Lauren will be tackling the Superhero Tri in August, an event which was created by British Paralympian, Sophia Warner. The Superhero Tri has more than 20 celebrity team captains, from Paralympians to TV personalities.

Lauren will join powerlifting Paralympic silver medalist, Ali Jawad’s team. Lauren, Ali and another teammate will share the 150m swim, 3k cycle and 1k run.

Lauren added: “I have achieved a lot in my life despite having a stroke when I was only 20, and since being diagnosed with a chronic rare autoimmune disease. Each day brings its own struggles, but that doesn't stop me wanting to challenge myself constantly. I am lucky to be alive and my goal in life is to make memories and awareness for things that are important!

“I’ve recently started to use a manual wheelchair when I am really tired but I am not going to let anything stop me achieving my dreams. This is a perfect opportunity to prove to myself and others that having a disability makes you no different from anyone else.

“I feel really excited to be chosen as part of a celebrity team. I have always wanted to take part in a triathlon and to do that with a celebrity makes it even more exciting. I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere and having fun doing something I enjoy as part of a team. I’ve chosen to do the swim which will be a big challenge on the day, but I’m making sure I squeeze in lots of training.”

Becky Beard, Community and Events Fundraising Manager for the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We’re incredibly grateful to Lauren for taking on this grueling challenge; she is a real inspiration and proof that there is life after stroke.”

To find out more information about the Superhero Series, please visit www.superheroseries.co.uk

To sponsor Lauren, please visit www.justgiving.com/laurenbradfieldstroke

Topics

  • 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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK