​Little Sutton fundraiser receives regional recognition

A Little Sutton woman has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association in recognition of her fundraising achievements for the charity.

Angie Corlett completed a gruelling 350km cycling challenge in 2016, raising more than £4,200 for the Stroke Association in the process. Angie, 52, took part in the week long Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro Crater Cycle on Friday 14 October 2016 and returned on Wednesday 26 October.

The challenge saw Angie cycle the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, through the Tarangire and on to Lake Manyara National Parks. She then biked through Maasai villages to eventually finish at the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Ngorongoro Crater Reserve.

A mother of four, Angie was inspired to raise money for the Stroke Association after several family members had strokes, including her father, grandfather, father-in-law and brother.

After the challenge, Angie said: “I’m sore, I’ve lost the use of my right hand from holding the handlebars so tightly, I’ve cried with exhaustion and cried at how hard I pushed myself. And yet, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. It was very humbling and by far the most amazing experience I’ve ever had.”

Angie was nominated for the Fundraiser of the Year Award by Laura McMullin, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association.

Laura said: “I’m so pleased I had the opportunity to support Angie throughout her fundraising and I’m so proud of everything she has achieved. She has been a fundraising superstar. I wanted to nominate Angie for the Fundraiser of the Year Award in recognition of the personal commitment she made to the Stroke Association to support people affected by stroke. Getting to know Angie and her infectious enthusiasm has been an absolute pleasure.”

Angie received her Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool City Centre on Monday 27 November, which was supported by Randox Health. Angie’s certificate was presented by Professor Tony Rudd, National Clinical Director for Stroke with NHS England, and the charity’s Chief Executive Officer, Juliet Bouverie, alongside former Liverpool FC footballer David Fairclough.

Chris Larkin, Director for the Stroke Association in the North, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the North West were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same.”

Dr Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health said: “We applaud the incredible work done by the Stroke Association and others who help to rebuild the lives of people affected by stroke. We also want to help patients, and are currently developing new tests that will dramatically improve the ability to diagnose strokes earlier.

“We also want to help the charity to spread the message of the power of prevention – and of all health concerns, stroke is the one which may be most preventable by better improving people’s understanding of their health and enabling them to make simple lifestyle changes. We’ve developed the world’s most comprehensive health screening tests – assessing up to 350 individual elements of your body - to empower everyone with the knowledge to make those changes. Our expertise helps people to lead healthier lives, for longer.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards 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. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA