Press release - 22 September 2014 13:55

Mother takes on zip wire for stroke

Washington mum Louise Plant, 38, is calling all adrenaline junkies to join her as she does the 230 metre Shocktober zipwire challenge to raise money for the Stroke Association on the 18 October. The mother of two year old stroke survivor Emma will zip across the River Tyne from the top of Newcastle’s iconic Tyne Bridge.

Louise is taking on the ‘Shocktober Zip’ challenge to raise funds for the charity after her daughter, Emma, had a stroke when she was just a few hours old.

Louise said: “It was a complete shock when I was told that Emma’s seizures were caused by a stroke. Like most people, I thought stroke was something that only affected older people. Even some of the midwives didn’t know children could have a stroke. Ever since Emma was born, I’ve been passionate about raising awareness of stroke, especially in young people.

“I signed up to do the zip wire as I thought it would a fun way to fundraise. I’ve raised about £650 so far, beating my original target of £500. But I know that every penny makes a difference, so I want to raise as much as possible to help stroke survivors like Emma.”

Janet Price, regional fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Strokes can affect anyone, even babies like Emma. Louise has raised a fantastic amount of money, which will really make a difference to stroke survivors and their families. Join Louise and the Stroke Association at the top of the Tyne Bridge for a fundraising challenge you’ll never forget, because together we can conquer stroke.”

The Shocktober Zip takes place on both the 18 and 19 October. Registration is £20, and the Stroke Association asks that participants raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship.

If you would like further information please email janet.price@stroke.org.uk or call us on 0191 492 6191.

To sponsor Louise, visit www.justgiving.com/louise-plant

To sign up to the Shocktober Zip visit www.stroke.org.uk/shocktoberzipTo sign up to the Shocktober Zip visit www.stroke.org.uk/shocktoberzip

Topics

Events

Regions

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