Morwhenna completes 177 miles by boat, foot and bike for stroke

6^th July 2015

Morwhenna completes 177 miles by boat, foot and bike for stroke

Morwhenna Woolcock, 40, from Bristol has just completed an epic adventure travelling from the Brecon Beacons to Morwenstow following (roughly) in the footsteps of the 5th century Saint Morwenna. Stroke survivor Morwhenna completed the 177 mile adventure travelling by bike, boat, and on foot in just 21 days.

Morwhenna Woolcock said: “This is a journey I've wanted to do since August 2011 after discovering the story of Saint Morwenna and the obvious link to my name as well as the fact I was born in Cornwall but grew up in Wales. I wondered what her journey would have been like and wondered if it was possible for me to do something similar. It is also a very personal journey for me as I want to raise awareness about stroke in young people. I had a brain haemorrhage when I was 12 and I was completely paralysed down my left-hand side. That was some day at school.”

Morwhenna spent many weeks in hospital and the long road to recovery began. She has regained around 85% mobility and still walks with a limp as a result of a condition called Drop-Foot, which is a common side effect of Stroke. Morwhenna had a STIMuSTEP implant from Salisbury Hospital in 2008 which has greatly helped with her walking. She adds “You could say I'm semi-bionic! Even after all these years - I'm still seeing improvements. Having a stroke so young is unusual - but according to recent research strokes in young people are on the rise. This modern day pilgrimage has given me the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the Stroke Association to be able to help others.”

Morwhenna’s journey started on the 14^th June 2015 in the magical Brecon Beacons - where St.Morwenna, the daughter of a Welsh King, came from.Morwhenna said; “It has been amazing to complete this challenge I have blisters and sore knees. The longest day was when we walked 13 miles in one day from Lynmouth to Combe Martin which was hairy scary and the longest walk I've ever done. Throughout this journey we have arrived at many of our destinations in the dark!.”

This first part of the journey was the 55 mile Taff Trail to Cardiff.Morwhenna then found a boatto go across the Bristol channel to Minehead where she continued her adventure on foot walking along the South West Coast Path to Morwenstow.Morwhenna arrived in Morwenstow on 5th July - St. Morwenna's Feast Day.

Morwhenna adds “The last part of the walk was by far the toughest in terms of terrain and I have surprised myself at how well I've done.”

Morwhenna took up the challenge to raise funds to help the Stroke Association to help even more stroke survivors.Morwhenna has raised around £650 so far, you can still make a donation to support her by visiting:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=Brecons2Morwenstow&faId=569589&isTeam=false

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For further information please contact Cheryl Randeria on 07810 697957.

Photo caption: Morwhenna at the finish line in Morwenstow

Morwhenna with Duncan Goodman, Area Manager for the Stroke Association.