Press release -
Slough postie to scale Mount Kilimanjaro for the Stroke Association
A Slough postman is embarking on a hike to the top of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
Gurpal Rana, 43, works as a postman in Maidenhead, and volunteered to take part in the challenge after the Stroke Association was chosen as Royal Mail’s Charity of the Year.
To support the partnership, Gurpal is hoping to raise £1,000 for the Stroke Association which will be match-funded by Royal Mail.
The father of two begins his challenge on 19 March. Gurpal said, “I’m no stranger to a climbing challenge – last year I climbed to the base camp of Mount Everest in a record nine days, when on average it takes people twelve days. I really enjoyed the challenge of Mount Everest, so I thought what better way to take part in another adventure, and do it for such a great cause..
“I wanted to support the fantastic work the charity does, and to ensure they can be there for families who are affected by stroke.”
Jeff Oatham, Head of Community responsibility and community investment at Royal Mail, said: “It’s fantastic to see fundraisers like Gurpal doing everything they can to help us to raise vital funds in aid of the Stroke Association’s Life after Stroke grants. We want to raise as much money as possible for the Stroke Association so that we can help change the lives of thousands of people affected by stroke.”
Michelle Bowdidge, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, added: : “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people like Gurpal who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We’re very grateful to him for taking on this incredibly brave challenge.”
Money raised from the Royal Mail charity partnership with the Stroke Association will provide Life After Stroke grants to around 10,000 people, giving a vital lifeline to ensure stroke survivors and their families can rebuild their lives.
To sponsor Gurpal, please visit: www.sponsorme.co.uk/gurpalrana/gurpals-kilimanjaro-trek
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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 around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. 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
