​Hull raises more than £6,150 with 12 months of challenges for charities

A Hull man has completed a gruelling year of fundraising and raised more than £6,150 for charities close to his heart, after his grandad passed away.

Joshua Penrose, 32, will divide the vital funds between the Stroke Association, Alzheimer’s UK, British Lung Foundation and Dove House Hospice, after his beloved grandad John Penrose was affected by each condition.

Joshua said: “In May 2012 my grandad suffered a huge stroke and we didn’t know if he would make it. Fortunately he did and he carried on with his life, albeit with more limitations but happy. Four years later he was diagnosed with fibrosis, a condition affecting the lungs, before in 2017 he was diagnosed with vascular dementia, a condition derived from his previous stroke.

“In August 2019 when his health conditions finally got the better of him, John was taken to Dove House Hospice where he spent the last two weeks of his life with the best 24 hour care and his family by his side until his final day where he died with dignity and respect.

“Through all this he received so much support from these organisations which improved his life and the quality of it. Unfortunately, most of these, rely heavily on donations to give excellent research and provide vital support which otherwise wouldn’t exist.”

Inspired by his grandad, Joshua took on 12 months of fundraising challenges throughout 2020, completing a different challenge each month. These included completing push ups and planking every day in January, walking, cycling or rowing 10km each day in March and taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

Joshua added: “The last 12 months have proved very difficult in terms of planning such a large amount of challenges, especially organising some of the bigger ones. But taking on the challenges and raising the funds has been so satisfying and rewarding. It’s helped me cope in the absence of John, almost as a therapy.

“I’ve had some great experiences doing things I never thought I’d manage. Taking on the Three Peaks, although hard-going, was a real highlight. Another highlight was completing a walking half-marathon over the Humber Bridge, while having friends and family supporting me every step of the way has been great.”

Adrian Greenwood, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Joshua raised such a fantastic amount of money for our charity’s work and the other wonderful causes. A huge thank you to Joshua for raising much-needed funds so that we can reach out to even more stroke survivors and helped to rebuild more lives.”

To sponsor Joshua, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/doitforjohnFor more information about stroke, ring the Stroke Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.