Press release -
Morley father ‘Leeds’ the way to fundraising victory
Craig McKenna, 38, from Morley is set to face the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday 12 October in his final fundraising challenge for the Stroke Association.
Craig, father to 12 year old Daniel and 9 year old Leo, has been dubbed Forrest Gump by his friends and family. He has been clocking up to 50 miles a week as he prepares to take on the 26.2 mile course through York’s historic city centre.
The Yorkshire Marathon will mark the final of four challenges Craig set himself to raise funds for the Stroke Association, which has seen him take on a 10k run, a half marathon, and the three peaks challenge, raising £600 in the process.
Craig’s father-in-law, Geoff, had a stroke in 2008, aged 62. Geoff was driving to work when he had a stroke, which was caused by a bleed on the brain. When he arrived at work, colleagues immediately knew that something was wrong and called an ambulance.
Geoff was left with no movement in his right hand side. Geoff’s speech was also affected but his aphasia has gradually improved. His wife Sandra is now his carer, and together the pair attend Morley Stroke Club. Sandra and Geoff have been on holiday with friends made through the stroke club –something that the family didn’t think would have been possible just a few years ago.
Craig said: “My father-in-law’s stroke turned my family’s life upside down. The support we’ve received from the Stroke Association has been fantastic, and it’s inspired me to raise as much money as possible to help them continue the amazing work they do to support stroke survivors and families like mine.
“When Geoff had a stroke it made me reassess my own health, and gave me a real incentive to get fit. I’ve lost almost a stone in weight, drink less and eat more healthily. I want to be a good role model for my kids Daniel and Leo, and make sure I’m around as they get older.”
Mahalia France-Mir, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: ‘Craig’s fundraising challenge is truly inspiring. We’ll be cheering Craig on as makes his way through York to the final finish line, where I expect he’s looking forward to a well-deserved rest! With the help of people like Craig, the Stroke Association can continue to support stroke survivors and their families, and together we can conquer stroke.”
It’s not too late to sponsor Craig. Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CraigMcKenna1
To find out more about fundraising for the Stroke Association, visit www.stroke.org.uk/fundraise
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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 the leading cause of severe adult 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
