Jersey residents take on a paddle boarding challenge for the Stroke Association

Press release -

Jersey residents take on a paddle boarding challenge for the Stroke Association

A team of three men from Jersey are taking on paddle board challenge from the West Coast to the East Coast of Scotland, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

André Le Geyt, 47 from St Brélade, said: “My mum had a stroke when I was young and it affected her very much. There wasn’t much awareness back then and she sadly passed away. Recently my father had a stroke while in hospital waiting for a check-up. He was treated quickly and thankfully he’s made a full recovery. The Stroke Association supported us when my dad came home from hospital. I believe this made a real difference to his recovery. This is what inspired me to take on the challenge for the Stroke Association. I really want to raise awareness to help more people recover and survive from this terrible condition.”

André will be joined by his two friends, Will Edinborough and Andy Dawson. The team of three will be stand-up paddle boarding 92km from Fort William to Inverness in Scotland. André will be doing the challenge in one day on Saturday 16 September, whilst Will and Andy will be completing it over two days through to Sunday 17 September.

Will Edingborough, 37 of St Brélade said, “Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, and I know just how devastating the condition can be. My family has been touched by stroke, and that’s what inspired me to join André and Andy on the challenge. Training is going well, I’m taking it easy at the moment, and just getting used to it all. I’m really looking forward to the weekend!”

Andy Dawson, 44, of St Ouen added, “Like André and Will, I’ve also experienced stroke in the family. My father-in-law has had a number of strokes and now uses a wheelchair. I’m really looking forward to the challenge – I think it’s going to be tough, but it’s nothing compared to what many stroke survivors have to go through. I really hope that we can make a difference and spread more awareness about the condition.”

Tracy O’Regan, Fundraising and Operations Manager for the Stroke Association in Jersey, said: “Every year we help over 130 of stroke survivors and their families in Jersey, but we can only do this through the generosity of people like André, Will and Andy. 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 sponsor André, Will and Andy, please visit www.justgiving.com/teams/great-glen-jersey. For more information about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk or call our helpline on 0303 303 3100.

Topics

  • 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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Press Officer National press and Stroke Association research and policy communications 07904 289900
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07812388125
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association

    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK