Press release -
Blackpool fundraiser raises £1,500 for the Stroke Association by walking the length of Britain
Rob Sherrington from Blackpool has raised more than £1,500 for the Stroke Association, after walking 1,206 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
Rob crossed the finish line of his solo journey on his 30th birthday, on Sunday 14 August. He was inspired to raise money for the Stroke Association after his Auntie Paula had a stroke in 2009. Paula was supported by the charity’s local service in Blackpool, before she passed away four years later. His grandmother has also survived two strokes, and also raises funds and awareness for the charity on a regular basis.
Rob presented the charity with the cheque at Blackpool Victoria Hospital Stroke Unit’s garden, which is named in memory of his Auntie Paula.
Rob said: “I’ve had the most amazing experience of my life and I'm sad it’s over, but I’m already planning my next adventure. I shall remember and cherish this challenge for the rest of my life. With one mile to go, people were cheering me on and I was on such a high, with my mum by my side. I walked up the final hill only to see my dad, brother and sister, plus my dog Mr Dougal waiting for me to cross the finish line!
“The Stroke Association is a charity that’s extremely close to my heart. Losing my Auntie Paula to this terrible condition was extremely sad, but before this happened I couldn't have told you what a stroke was. It's only really when something personally affects you that you become more aware.
“I'm young, fit and a trek down the length of the country to raise some money for this amazing charity is nothing compared to what my nan, who has survived two strokes, gets up to on a daily basis. She's a real trooper!”
Rebecca Owen, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Rob has been an absolute superstar and we’ve loved following every step of his journey. With the help of people like Rob, the Stroke Association can continue to support stroke survivors and their families across the North West. Together we can conquer stroke.”
To sponsor Rob, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robshez1986
The Stroke Association provides an Information, Advice and Support Service and Communication Support in Blackpool, in partnership with Blackpool Council and Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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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
