Press release -
Staff at Claire’s Europe climb to fundraising success for the Stroke Association
A team of 18 members of staff from Claire’s Europe in Birmingham scaled the Yorkshire Three Peaks on Friday 08 July, and raised £3,160 in vital funds for the Stroke Association.
The team completed the gruelling 24 mile route, which includes 5,200ft (1,585m) of ascent, in just 10 hours. They were inspired to take on the challenge after their colleague Kelly McKeown had a serious stroke in December 2015, aged 40. Kelly was supported by the Stroke Association during her recovery, and is now making a phased return to work.
Michelle Hopkins, European Communications Manager at Claire’s said: “We chose to take on the challenge to raise funds for the Stroke Association, after our colleague Kelly had a severe stroke. I supported the team during their challenge and they were absolutely exhausted by the first stop; it was a really tough day but there were smiles all round.
“It’s been incredible to raise such a fantastic amount of money for the Stroke Association and we’re very grateful to everyone who has got behind us.”
Gemma Hughes, Global Buyer at Claire’s, took part in the challenge. She added: “Kelly is one of my closest colleagues, my mentor and friend. Since her stroke, she has tackled her rehabilitation head on, overcoming every challenge she faced. Her will to succeed along with the efforts of the Stroke Association have been the key to her speedy recovery. She inspired me to help raise as much money as possible in support of the Stroke Association’s essential work.”
Katrin Winstanley, Events Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “The Claire’s team has truly gone the extra mile for the Stroke Association. Without the efforts of fundraisers like this, we wouldn’t be able to support the 120,000 people in the West Midlands who are currently living with the devastating effects of stroke, as well as their families and carers.”
To sponsor the Claire’s Yorkshire Three Peaks team, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/teams/clairesy3pc. For more information about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 3033 100.
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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 around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is one of the largest causes of disability. 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
