Father’s stroke inspires Worcester son to tackle the Stroke Association Christmas run

A Tenbury Wells son will tackle the Stroke Association’s Santa Scramble and Elf Trail on Sunday 14 December, for his dad who had a devastating stroke in 2012.

Jake Yarranton, 22, a production assistant and cameraman at Hayfisher Productions, was inspired to sign up for the Santa Scramble and Elf Trail after his father Dean Yarranton had a stroke at the age of 49.

Dean worked with his brother in their family coach company before his stroke. As a classic trials car enthusiast, Dean was working alone in the garage one evening when unbeknown to Dean’s family who were in the house at the time, Dean had had a stroke. Thankfully, one of the driver's was finishing his shift and noticed that the light was on. As he walked in to see if Dean was around, he noticed Dean lying on the floor unable to talk or move.

Dean’s stroke left him with right side weakness, severe aphasia and no speech in the early days. Two years later he has made progress but struggles with communication and everyday life. He attends the Life After Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove and joins the Activities Programme every Thursday. In Dean's words it's "good good.. fantastic"!

Jake will also be joined with about ten other family members and friends on the day. Jake said: “Stroke had such a big impact on my dad’s life, and it affected our whole family. With my family in tow, I wanted to take part with everyone to raise as much awareness of stroke so the Stroke Association can continue to conquer stroke. I took part last year and loved every minute of it, so I can’t wait to be part of the fun again!”

Wife and mum Suzie Yarranton said: "I am very proud that Jake and our family are doing the Santa Scramble and Elf Trail to raise vital awareness for the Stroke Association. I know that Jake will feel amazing when he reaches the finish line – Dean and I can’t wait to be there at the race to cheer them all on!”

Jake adds, “We’ve chosen to support 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.”

The Santa Scramble and Elf Trail will take part in Wyre Forest on Sunday 14 December. Each participant will take on the 5k obstacle course suitably dressed – in Santa suits!

Nancy Lillingtom, Regional 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 like Jake and the family who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We’re really grateful to them for taking on this challenge, and will be cheering them on as they make their way through Wyre Forest.”

You can be at the start line with Jake by booking your place on the Santa Scramble and Elf Train with our Fundraising Team. You can call us on 01527 903 501 or email westmidsfundraising@stroke.org.uk

If you would like more information on the Santa Scramble and Elf Trail please visit: www.stroke.org.uk/event/santa-scramble-obstacle-challenge-2014 -

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LifeAfterStrokeAwards