​Wirral woman makes a splash for the Stroke Association

Stroke Association fundraiser Lauren Curry, from the Wirral, is gearing up for one of her toughest challenges yet: an eight mile swim across Lake Bala in Wales.

On Saturday 20 August, 23 year-old-Lauren plans to swim solo from one end of the lake to the other, and back again. Her boyfriend, William, will kayak the length of the lake next to her for support.

Lauren embarked on a demanding year-long fundraising mission for the Stroke Association in February this year. She was inspired to fundraise for the charity after her grandad Harry Gornall had two strokes, leaving him in need of 24 hour care. He had his first stroke in September 2013 aged 74, which left him in intensive care, and the family were told to expect the worst.

Harry was left unable to walk, eat, speak or write, and with very poor eyesight. After intense rehabilitation, he gradually learnt how to walk small distances with support, and his speech slowly improved. However, Harry went on to have a second stroke in February this year.

Lauren is completing a year of gruelling challenges, aiming to raise £10,000 for the Stroke Association by February 2017. To date, Lauren has raised £1,140 for the charity. Lauren chose to organise her latest fundraising challenge after she completed the 10km Great North Swim at Lake Windermere in June.

Lauren said: “The Great North Swim 10k was tough. While obviously physically demanding, it was mentally draining to keep swimming the front crawl for four hours non-stop. Despite that it was amazing and I now have a love for open water swimming. It’s this which has spurred me on to take it one step further and organise my own eight mile swim!

“All the challenges I’m taking on push me to the limit, both mentally and physically. It was a real shock when my granddad had his stroke as he was fit and healthy. I’ve chosen to raise funds for the Stroke Association as my grandad has been supported by the charity and attends the Communication Support group in Knowsley each week, which he loves. I’ve been going along with him each week and volunteer for the charity.”

Laura McMullin, Events Officer at the Stroke Association, said: “Lauren never ceases to amaze us with her remarkable fundraising challenges and this latest challenge is no exception. We’re incredibly grateful to Lauren for taking on this fundraising mission; the funds she raises will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, as well as their families and carers.”

To sponsor Lauren, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/curry or text CRRY99 and your amount (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10) to 70070. For more information about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk