Press release -
Bristol stroke survivor walks over 200 miles for the Stroke Association
Mike Edkins, 66, has walked from Bristol to Land’s End to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
Mike, from Bristol, had a mini-stroke (also known as a transient ischaemic attack or TIA) at the end of 2015.
Mike said: “My mini-stroke was a really big wake up call. After the stroke, I decided that I needed to put myself first. I lost weight, did more exercise and started to feel much fitter.
“I retired from my job as an accountant last month, but didn’t want to get too relaxed, so decided to take on this challenge. I had a pushchair with all my belongings in, which was a huge help until one of the wheels broke in Taunton! Luckily, I managed to get this fixed quickly and continue on my way.
“It was really emotional when I reached the end of my journey. My sister and her friends walked the last leg with me. I’m now spending a couple of days at my sister’s house before catching the train back home to Bristol – I’m thankful I’ll be on a train home and not walking!
“I’ve raised over £1,600 for the Stroke Association so far and I feel really proud.”
Jen Robinson-Slater, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital that we have people like Mike to help raise funds. We’re incredibly grateful to him for choosing to support the Stroke Association; the money raised will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, and their families and carers, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.”
To sponsor Mike, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mike-edkins1