​Hull man takes on 12 months of challenges for charities

A Hull man is embarking on a gruelling year of fundraising for several charities close to his heart, after his grandad passed away.

Joshua Penrose, 32, is raising vital funds for 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 is taking on 12 months of fundraising challenges throughout 2020, completing a different challenge each month. So far, his monthly challenges have 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: ”Over the coming months I’m planning a sponsored bike ride from Humber to Hornsea, to take part in Stoptober and give up chocolate or alcohol, and if permitted with COVID-19, I’d love to organise a charity night with a Christmas quiz. My target is £5,000 to split between the four charities but I’d love to raise as much money as possible for my grandad’s legacy.”

Louise Simonian, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Joshua has chosen to raise vital funds 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/doitforjohn

Remember the signs of stroke and Act FAST – Face, Arms, Speech, it’s Time to call 999. For more information about stroke, ring the Stroke Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.