Halifax ‘superwoman’ scoops major award

A 40-year-old mother of two from Halifax has been hailed a real-life ‘superwoman’ after scooping the Stroke Association’s prestigious Fundraiser of the Year award.

Amanda Morris, who received her award from former Dragon and stroke survivor Hilary Devey at the charity’s annual Life After Stroke Awards on 12 June 2014, raised over £11,500 for the charity’s life-changing work with stroke survivors, after setting herself an initial target of £2,013. 

One week before her 39^th birthday, Amanda’s friend Paul Thomas, had a major stroke in December 2012.  He was only 36 at the time and the stroke left him paralysed down the left-hand side of his body.

Amanda, who was nominated for her award by her husband, Gary, said: “Paul’s stroke knocked us all for six. I thought it was only older people who were at risk of a stroke. I had no idea it can affect people of all ages. This was a real wake-up call for me, and I was determined do everything possible to help Paul and others who have been affected by stroke.”

To raise vital funds for the Stroke Association, Amanda came up with the idea of completing 40 sponsored challenges before she turned 40. These included fasting for 40 hours, a 40-pub bar crawl and a 40-day raffle and prize auction. Her employer, Leeds-based International Personal Financial, also donated £1,000.

One of the most memorable challenges for Amanda was a ‘Wacky at the Track’ event, where 40 people completed one lap of her local Spring Hall running track. Paul, who has lost most of the strength in his left arm and has limited mobility, summoned the courage to walk one lap of the 400-meter track. 

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation, recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations.

Paul’s brush with death prompted Amanda and her husband to learn as much as they could about stroke. After discovering that smoking dramatically increases a person’s risk of stroke, Gary– a smoker for over 20 years– quit his habit in January this year.

Amanda, who was joined by her husband and parents at the awards ceremony, said: “I’m honoured to receive this award.  My family and Paul were the driving force behind my fundraising and they inspired
me to keep on going. The award also belongs to them.”

Jon Barrick, Stroke Association Chief Executive, said: “Amanda is a real-life superwoman.  What she has achieved is nothing short of incredible. She set herself a formidable challenge and completely smashed her fundraising target five times over. This herculean effort will help to support our life-changing work with stroke survivors. Amanda is a worthy winner of this award.”

For more information on the Life After Stroke Awards and to view short films about the winners, including Amanda, visit www.stroke.org.uk/lasa.

Ends

For further information, or photos of the event, please contact the Stroke Association’s media team on 020 7566 1500 or email press@stroke.org.uk

For urgent out of hours media enquiries only please call 07799 436 008. ISDN facilities available.