Wokingham stroke survivor set to climb mount Ben Nevis for the Stroke Association

A stroke survivor from Wokingham is celebrating four years since their stroke by climbing Mount Ben Nevis in May 2017 to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Robert Cunningham, Chairman of the Wokingham Stroke Support and Recovery Group, 67, had a stroke five years ago leaving him with balance problems, sensitivity to pain, a lack of heat sensation on the right side of his body and fatigue. In spite of this, Robert is determined to raise funds for the Stroke Association and his challenge will begin in May where he will climb 4,409ft over 10.75 miles in around 7 to 9 hours.

Robert was inspired to raise funds for the charity after he had a stroke in December 2012 when he was 62. Robert was writing a Christmas card to a friend when he suddenly collapsed on to his back and was left unable to stand. He was able to call his wife, Chris, who recognised the signs of a stroke and called 999 immediately. Robert’s stroke has left him with residual.

Robert said: “I’m planning to set off on Tuesday16 or Wednesday 17 May, depending on the weather conditions. I know first-hand how devastating a stroke can be, and understand the struggles that stroke survivors have to go through on a daily basis.

“There’s no doubt that recovering from a stroke is one of the biggest challenges life can throw at you – but climbing Ben Nevis comes pretty close. But I want to raise as much as I can for the Stroke Association. The charity provides an essential service in raising the profile of stroke in the UK and also gives stroke survivors and their carers a vital lifeline of support.”

Tammy Angus, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We’re incredibly grateful to Robert for taking on this amazing challenge – he is proof that there is life after stroke, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.”

The Wokingham Stroke Support and Recovery Group which is affiliated and supported by the Stroke Association meet every second and fourth Thursday of every month. They provide early life after stroke support for stroke survivors and their careers. For more information please contact Robert Cunningham on 01189774227 or via email bob.cunningham@btinternet.com.

To sponsor Robert visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/iancunningham2