West Midlands hero looks to go the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Press release -

West Midlands hero looks to go the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Lewis Crawford, 25, from Wolverhampton, is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon for the Stroke Association on Sunday 28 April 2019 after his best friend had two strokes aged just 25.

Curtis McGhee, now 27, had two serious strokes in the summer of 2017 which initially left him in a coma. When he regained consciousness, Curtis was unable to walk or use his left side and was blind in his left eye. Tragically, Curtis also lost his Father in early 2018 and was unable to attend the funeral, due to his condition.

Now Lewis, who has never ran a marathon, is determined to give something back after seeing everything that Curtis and his family have been through.

Lewis said: “Despite everything that’s happened, Curtis is defying all the odds and is now on a long and tough road to recovery. All his family and friends were told he may not make it out of his coma and he did. The doctors also couldn’t believe how good his speech was, he’s amazing”

“Training for the marathon is taking its toll, especially as I have a very physically demanding job and young children. However, I know that just taking five steps is a marathon for Curtis, so the days that I’m tired from training, I just remember that I’m lucky to be able to run. Knowing what Curtis and his family have gone through to this day really pushes me on – I’m doing it for them”

Sara Adderley, Head of Stroke Support at the Stroke Association, said: “There are around 100,000 strokes every year in the UK and 1.2 million people in the UK are living with the devastating impact of stroke. We’re so grateful to Lewis for taking on this famous challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and we’ll be cheering him on all the way to the finish line.”

“A stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it turns lives upside down. However, with the support of people likeLewis we can help more stroke survivors like Curtis as they look to rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Lewis, please visit www.justgiving.com/teamstrokelew

If you are available on Sunday 28 April and would like to join the #TeamStroke cheer squad, please email: londonmarathon@stroke.org.uk.

There are two cheer points located at:

  • Canada Square – Canary Wharf
  • Tower Bridge Road

Any amount of time you can spare on the day to support and motivate the amazing runners, would be greatly appreciated.

Ends

For more information, please contact: Ken Scott on 0115 7788429 or ken.scott@stroke.org.uk

Topics

  • 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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK