Oxford daredevil to scale Mount Kilimanjaro for Stroke Association

A Didcot resident is embarking on a mammoth hike to the top of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Richard Pegden, 45, was inspired to take on the challenge after his younger sister had a stroke at the age of 37, in 2012.

Richard will begin his challenge on Thursday 5 October 2017. He said: “My sister Claire has been given so much support to help her rebuild her life after her stroke. Thankfully she has made a really good recovery, but it was a huge shock to us all. I never realised that someone so young and healthy could have a stroke.

“I’m raising funds for the Stroke Association to help other families like mine get the support they need. The charity does so much to raise awareness of this terrible condition. My training has been going very well and I’m now starting to really look forward to the hike.”

Emma Strong, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital that we have people like Richard to help raise funds. We’re incredibly grateful to him for choosing to support the Stroke Association; the money raised will go a long way in helping to support people like his sister Claire, 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 Richard, please visit: www.justgiving.com/richard-pegden4