​Local stroke survivor marks recovery with gruelling Peaks challenge

A High Peak stroke survivor has raised almost £1,500 for the Stroke Association, by climbing all 214 Wainwright Peaks in the Lake District, after having to learn how to walk again.

Steve Bowker had a life changing stroke in May 2014, while rock climbing in Derbyshire. He was reaching up high for a hold when he suddenly found he couldn’t control his arm. When he tried to explain to his climbing partner, he found he couldn’t speak. Luckily his friend called Mountain Rescue and he was taken to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, before spending eight weeks in rehabilitation in Stepping Hill, Stockport.

Since his stroke, Steve has taken on a six year rehab programme of specialist therapy, gym work and many mountain walks. He has also bought a specially adapted trike, allowing him to recover his fitness and take on several fundraising challenges for the Stroke Association, including two 130 mile cycle rides and raising around £7,000 to date.

In his latest challenge, Steve climbed all 214 Wainwright Peaks of the Lake District over two year, with his last summit completed at Buttermere on 17 October alongside friends to mark the occasion.

Steve said: “As a former extreme rock climber, fell runner and mountaineer experiencing a severe stroke six years ago, I’m painfully aware of what it’s like to suffer life-limiting disabilities. I want to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association so they can provide support and awareness for other stroke survivors. Initially when I had my stroke I was 50% paralysed, despite having a level of fitness equal to many people twenty years younger. Now I've just completed the climb of my final celebratory 214th summit in Buttermere and feel ready to take another step forwards in my recovery journey.

“After a climbing life of extreme adventures spanning over forty years resulting in many scary experiences, there's been none as scary as finding myself in a wheelchair with no control over my own limbs. But by fighting back and giving myself a challenging personal goal, I hope to demonstrate to other stroke survivors that with determination and a positive approach it’s possible to make some sort of recovery, fulfil personal goals and still have outdoor adventures.”

Helen Latham, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Steve has chosen to raise vital funds for our charity’s work. He is a real inspiration and proof that with hope and determination, people can rebuild their lives. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Steve for taking on this challenge to raise much-needed funds so that we can reach out to even more stroke survivors and support them throughout their recovery.”

To sponsor Steve, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steves214wainwrightpeakschallenge. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.