Local woman takes fundraising to new heights for the Stroke Association

A Brighton business owner has been inspired to abseil down the Emirates Spinnaker Tower to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association, after her Grandad had a stroke.

Hayley Kenward, 45, will scale the tower on Saturday 12 August alongside her friend Teri Bexon. Together they’ll climb the staircase to the top of the tower, before abseiling to the ground.

Hayley was inspired to fundraise for the charity after her Grandad had a stroke and sadly passed away when she was 10 years old.

Hayley said: “I wanted to take part in the abseil to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association to help other families affected by stroke. I’m also keen to do as much as I can to raise awareness of the condition.

“I have taken part in an abseil before for charity, but vowed never to do it again! When I saw an advert for this abseil, I felt I wanted to give something back to the Stroke Association as my Grandad is always in my thoughts. If this challenge helps more people understand about stroke, it will all be worthwhile.”

Becky Beard, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital that we have people like Hayley and Teri to help raise funds. We’re incredibly grateful to them both for choosing to support the Stroke Association; the money raised will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, and their families and carers, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.”

To sponsor Hayley, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ATouchOfHopeStrokeAssociationAbseil

For more information about the Stroke Association, visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 303 3100.