​Liverpool’s own Forrest Gump raises more than £10,000 for the Stroke Association with mammoth 185 mile challenge

Rob Pope, 42, from Croxteth has completed a gruelling three and a half days of fundraising for the Stroke Association with his Summit2Summit challenge, which saw him climb two peaks and run an incredible 185 miles.

Beginning on Tuesday 15 September, Rob ran self-supported up Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales before running to his home in Liverpool, no less than 75 miles away. He then ran to take on Scafell, the loftiest peak in England, another 90 miles away. To date he has raised more than £10,300.

Rob initially made headlines in 2018 when he recreated the famous Forrest Gump run, covering 15,607 miles, going coast-to-coast in America four times in 422 days, matching the efforts of his movie hero.

Rob took on his latest mammoth challenge inspired by his parents-in-law Sue and Dave Strawbridge who have both devastatingly had strokes within months of each other.

Rob says: “I got married last year. Without doubt the guest I was most pleased to see was my mother-in-law, Sue. Six months earlier she had suffered a huge stroke that had left her with near paralysis on the right side and severe aphasia, which meant she struggled to speak after she emerged from her coma. With a huge amount of support from her family, including her husband Dave and the Stroke Association, she smiled her way through the day and can now walk and communicate. Throughout this process Dave has been her constant loving, dedicated carer. One month ago, he too suffered a life changing stroke and he has just returned home from hospital.

“I couldn't stand by and do nothing. The Stroke Association provides specialist support, research and campaigning, which are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. I've seen first-hand the work the Stroke Association does, and this is my thank you.

“A peak for Sue, a peak for Dave. As the journey came to a close and I reached the top of Scafell Pike, Dave's summit, the views were worth all the effort of the previous few days. As I looked around in a full 360, I imagined everybody in my line of sight who was going through a rough time with stroke, whether it was them directly, or friends and family. It was their peak too, if they wanted it to be.”

Helen Latham, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “What Rob has done during this last few days for the Stroke Association is nothing short of incredible. We’re so grateful to him for taking on this epic challenge and hope he enjoys a well-earned rest now! All his wonderful efforts in raising vital funds will enable us to reach out to even more stroke survivors and helped to rebuild more lives.”

To sponsor Rob, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/summit2summit

Remember the signs of stroke and Act FAST – Face, Arms, Speech, it’s Time to call 999. For more information about stroke, ring the Stroke Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.