Press release - 25 April 2018 12:08

Local Hampshire resident to scoot 260 miles for stroke charity

A Hampshire resident is preparing to take on a 260 mile scooter challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association’s awareness month, Make May Purple for Stroke.

Alan Parr, 55, from Gosport is planning to set off from his parents’ home in Manchester on Monday 21 May 2018, to tackle a six day journey on kick scooter to Lee-On-Solent.

Alan will be taking to his scooter during Make May Purple for Stroke, when the charity is encouraging everyone to get involved in purple-themed fundraising to show support stroke survivors.

Alan was inspired to take on the challenge after both his parents had a stroke, and have been supported by the charity. Alan said, “There might have been different outcomes for my parents if it was not for the Stroke Association who do such an amazing job in supporting stroke survivors in their life after stroke. In January my work colleague also went on to have a stroke, but has thankfully made a good recovery thanks to the Stroke Association’s great research and rehabilitation work.

“I have never done anything as tough as this and my fiancé Joanne thinks I am mad. I know it’s going to be tough, but considering what my parents have been through, a few aches and pains is nothing. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of stroke, inspire other survivors and give back to a very worthwhile cause.”

Tammy Angus, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association said: “For many stroke survivors, getting their life back on track after a stroke means overcoming life-changing disabilities and emotional trauma. But they can’t do this on their own. Every day people across the UK are regaining their independence with the support of the Stroke Association and others. We’re incredibly grateful to Alan for taking on this gruelling challenge to help raise funds for people affected by stroke.”

To sponsor Alan, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AlanParr79

To find out more about this year’s Make May Purple and how you can get involved, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple

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