Press release -
Suffolk stroke survivor receives regional recognition
A fundraiser from Suffolk has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of her courage and determination.
Mother of two, Tracy Hanratta, 48, a receptionist from Bury St Edmunds received her award on Friday 7 November. Tracy’s grandfather had a devastating stroke in October 2012, and sadly passed away. This is when Tracy took it upon herself to begin an amazing fundraising journey to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
In January 2013 Tracy put aside her fears and signed up to complete the Shop and Drop Abseil down Colchester’s Town Hall. Tracy raised an outstanding £637 in sponsorship from this event. Following the abseil Tracy decided to set up the ‘Cyril David Roy Walker Remembrance Fund’ in memory of her Grandfather, and has set herself a personal target of raising £5,000 for the Stroke Association.
To date, Tracy has raised a magnificent £2,379 for the Stroke Association, by taking part in all sorts of activities, such as sponsored runs, firewalks, and cake mornings. Tracy is now looking to add to her achievements by completing a sponsored parachute jump as one of her next activities.
Tracy received her Highly Commended certificate from the Stroke Association at the Great Barton Village Hall on Friday 7 November.
Fundraising Manager George Burroughs nominated Tracy to receive the award. She said: “Tracy is the strongest, most determined person I know and she has such desire and enthusiasm to help raise vital funds for stroke survivors and their families. Tracy continues to think of wonderful, and slightly crazy, way to raise money for us, and we really appreciate all her effort.”
“Tracy is a warm and wonderful person, who following the death of her beloved Grandfather decided to take positive action on behalf of stroke survivors and their families. A year into her relationship with the Stroke Association Tracy is as committed as ever and is looking forward to her next fundraising challenge.”
Sara Betsworth, Regional Head of Operations for the Stroke Association in the East of England, continued: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the East of England 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.”
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/LifeAfterStrokeAwards
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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
