​Stockton-on-Tees family walk their way to fundraising success

A Stockton-on-Tees family has raised more than £1,140 for the Stroke Association, after holding a sponsored walk in memory of a family member who passed away from a stroke.

Teacher Samantha Thornton, 47, arranged a 15 mile sponsored walk across the Peak District, in memory of her uncle, David Nelles. David passed away suddenly aged 62 in January 2015, after having a stroke.

Samantha was joined by her two daughters, husband and four other family members and friends, to walk the distance from Buxton to Macclesfield and raise vital funds for charity.

Samantha said: “My uncle’s stroke came as a complete shock to our family, so we’re hoping the walk will help to raise awareness of stroke, as well as funds to help support other people affected by this devastating condition.

“We chose to walk this particular route, as my uncle regularly travelled this way to visit my daughter Rebecca while studying at university, so it’s very significant for the family. We had been prepared for treacherous winter weather on the top of the hills, but luckily the sun shone down on us as we completed the route, and although strenuous, it was a really enjoyable day.”

Jo Beverley, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people who can raise funds and help us to conquer stroke. We’re really grateful to Samantha and her family for organising the sponsored walk in memory of David. The money raised will help us to fund vital research, support people affected, and prevent stroke.”

Over 5,500 people have a stroke in the North East each year, and more than 16,200 people in the area are living with a disability after a stroke. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.