Halifax student puts in the strides for the Stroke Association inspired by her dad

Aimee Flannery, 18 from Ovenden, completed the Stroke Association’s Stride for Stroke challenge and walked 10,000 steps a day for 120 days.

Aimee walked 1.2 million steps, which is one step for every stroke survivor In the UK, inspired by her father Gary who survived a stroke when she was seven years old.

Aimee said: “My father’s stroke dramatically changed my childhood, as well as my mother Michelle’s life. He was in hospital for nine weeks, and as a young child, to go without seeing my father for so long was one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to face.

“I wasn’t allowed to see my dad for the first three weeks, but when I was able to see him I remember reading him a story with my Eeyore teddy which he gave to me and I still have today. My father’s words were “Who is this little girl reading me a story?” At the time he didn’t remember having a daughter but he did remember that he got married to my mother. My grandparents, Mavis and David Barker, played a big role in my life at this point. My grandmother was always at the hospital with my mum and so my grandfather picked me up from school every day.

“However, despite being told he wouldn’t be able to walk and talk again, my dad has made an amazing recovery. He now volunteers at Calderdale Hospital on the Stroke Ward and speaks to stroke patients and their families going through a similar experience to us. This has brought me and my family closer and we are forever grateful for the memories we have made so far!”

Aimee took on the Stride for Stroke challenge, raising £150 in vital funds for the Stroke Association. She adds: “I completed the challenge with my cousin Emma Gamble, and as well as raising vital funds we were able to develop our friendship and spend more time together. It has helped us both become fitter and we both are going to keep up the walking even though the event has ended!”

Joanna McGuinness, Head of Regional Fundraising at the Stroke Association said: “We know how tough life has been recently. This is especially true for the 1.2 million stroke survivors living in the UK right now. While we aren’t able to meet up as we would like, Aimee has still done something amazing and walked 1.2 million steps, that’s one step for every stroke survivor, over the next 120 days.

“Whether you take on this challenge as a stroke survivor, in memory of a loved one, in support of someone affected by stroke or you just want to help raise crucial funds to rebuild lives after stroke - we are so incredibly grateful.

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

For more information and to sign up to this year’s Stride for Stroke, visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/webform/stride-for-stroke