Press release -
Tipton man organises Scoring Against Stroke for his dad
A Tipton man has organised a charity football match to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association, after his dad had a life-changing stroke.
Shane Bevan and his friend Chris Hoult have organised Scoring Against Stroke at 11am on Sunday 22 July at Brickbridge Lane, Wombourne. At the game, Chris’s team, the Barley Mow Wanderers, will be facing the Bevan Eleven, made up of Shane’s closest friends and family.
Shane’s father Steve, 51 had a stroke six years ago while driving on the motorway. Fortunately he was able to pull over and call an ambulance, however the stroke has changed his life completely, leaving him partially blind in one eye, with short term memory loss, and balance issues, meaning he now has to walk with a stick.
Shane said: “My dad is now a completely different person. I was completely unaware of just how serious a stroke could be until I saw the effects it had on my dad. Every day is a constant battle. He used to be very sociable and outgoing but now he hardly leaves the house as he has severe anxiety attacks, which has led to depression. Seeing my dad as a shell of his former self is heartbreaking everyday.
“Going through all of this has made me understand just how much amazing charities like the Stroke Association do for stroke survivors and their families. We’ll be raising money by playing against the Barley Mow Wanderers, who I can't thank enough for agreeing to take part. Everyone is welcome to come along and cheer us on, and also donate to a great cause.”
Claire Weaver, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Every year we help tens of thousands of stroke survivors and their families through our range of services and free helpline, but we can only do this through the generosity of people like Shane, Chris and the Barley Mow Wanderers team. We’re incredibly grateful to them for choosing to support the Stroke Association. The amount raised will go a long way towards helping more stroke survivors and their families to rebuild their lives.”
To make a donation, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shane-bevan1. For more information about stroke, visit stroke.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 3033 100.