​Stroke survivor and local stroke teams make Scafell Pike purple this May

Phil Woodford, a 47 year old stroke survivor from Catterall, Lancashire, will take on Scafell Pike on Sunday 3 June, alongside staff from the Stroke Association in North Lancashire and South Cumbria, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary Stroke Therapy team, volunteers and family members.

The group is taking on the gruelling challenge to mark the end of Make May Purple for Stroke, and raise vital funds in support of the Stroke Association.

In the UK stroke is the leading cause of disability and there are 1.2 million people living with the physical and emotional after effects. The money raised through Make May Purple for Stroke will enable the charity to support many more stroke survivors regain their independence.

Phil, Associate Director of Corporate Affairs at University Hospital of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), had a stroke in August 2016 at the age of 45. After receiving support from the Stroke Association during his recovery, he will join the local team to take on the highest mountain in England, 978 metres above sea level and raise funds to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need.

Phil said: “I owe so much to the Stroke Association, particularly the compassion shown by local coordinator, Sally Farnell, when I was at my lowest point in my recovery and feeling like I couldn’t go on anymore, Sally was there to support me, I can’t thank her enough. I want to do what I can to support the Stroke Association and encourage other survivors, and this feels like a positive way to do that.”

Local Stroke Association co-ordinators, Sally Farnell, Nikki Chadwick and Sam Lord, are inviting members of the local community to join them and help raise vital funds.

Sally Farnell, Stroke Association Support Coordinator, said: “As a team, we’ve always wanted to climb Scafell Pike but had never managed to for various reasons. Then it hit us, why not take on the challenge to wrap up the Stroke Association’s awareness month, Make May Purple for Stroke? It’s a big and challenging climb, and will be no mean feat. We’d love for even more people to join us on the day and help to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association - the more the merrier!”

The climb will start at 9am on Sunday 3 June. To get involved, please contact Sally Farnell at the Stroke Association on 01524 69697 or email sally.farnell@stroke.org.uk. To find out more about the work of the Stroke Association and how you can Make May Purple visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple.