Press release -
Worcester fundraiser unveils bench in memory of wife
Local fundraiser and Stroke Association supporter, Charlie Hodges, has unveiled a commemorative bench in memory of his wife at the charity’s Life After Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove.
Charlie, 74 from Worcester, lost his wife Margaret to a stroke 12 years ago. He started fundraising for the Stroke Association when he asked for donations for his 70th birthday rather than presents. He then sadly lost his mother Betty to a stroke in 2013 and has supported the Stroke Association ever since.
Charlie set himself a challenge to reach a £10,000 fundraising milestone, and hosted a series of fundraising events to help him reach his target. Charlie surpassed his target and is still busily fundraising, hosting a variety of events including a music evening, a cream tea and a party to mark what would have been his and Margaret’s golden wedding anniversary.
Charlie has now put some of the funds raised towards a bench and had a plaque made in memory of Margaret, which is now on display at the charity’s Life After Stroke Centre.
Charlie said: “The Stroke Association is a wonderful charity which helps so many stroke survivors across the UK to adjust to their life after stroke. The bench is a lovely tribute to Margaret and I’m hoping it will be enjoyed by lots of people at the Life After Stroke Centre.”
Claire Benfield, Regional Fundraiser for 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 who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We’re incredibly grateful to Charlie and his team of helpers for their continued support for the Stroke Association. The bench is the perfect way of celebrating all of his fundraising efforts in Margaret’s memory.”
Charlie’s next fundraising event is a Fish and Chip Supper on Saturday 22 October from 6:30pm, at Rushwick Village Hall. Ticket price £12.50 which includes entertainment, raffle, quiz and fish and chip supper.
For tickets, contact Charlie tickets 01905 421324 or 07791 560818. For more information about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk or call our helpline on 0303 303 3100
Topics
Categories
Regions
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
