Press release - 15 March 2018 13:24

Devizes resident tackles 125 mile kayak for the Stroke Association

A Devizes resident is taking on a 30 hour kayaking challenge from Devizes to Westminster Bridge on Saturday 31 March 2018, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Brendan Clark, 40, from Devizes was inspired to take on the challenge after his friend had a stroke at the age of 35, just five weeks after he got married.

Brendon said: “I couldn’t believe a stroke could happen to someone so young. I always assumed strokes only happened to old people. Seeing the struggle my best mate has been through since having a stroke has motivated me to want to do as much as I can to help others.

“My friend Nathan will be joining me on the challenge. We will be setting off from Devizes via the Kennet and Avon canal, on a 125 mile journey in a two man kayak. Along the way we'll be tackling 77 portages, and spending up to 30 hours sat a few feet apart as we attempt to complete the journey to Westminster Bridge. The finish time is not important to us, we just want to focus on raising as much money as possible to recognise the strength and character of our friend, and raise money for a very worthy cause.”

Becky Beard, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Nathan and Brendan for choosing to support the Stroke Association. Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke. The money raised by Nathan and Brendan will go towards helping more stroke survivors and their families to rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Brendan and Nathan, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nathanandbrendandw

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

Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications angela.macleod@stroke.org.uk 0131 555 7244

Laura Thomas

Press contact Communications Officer Wales Laura.Thomas@stroke.org.uk 07776508594

Ken Scott

Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands ken.scott@stroke.org.uk 0115 778 8429

Daisy Dighton

Press contact Press Officer London and East of England daisy.dighton@stroke.org.uk 02079401358

Martin Oxley

Press contact Press Officer South of England martin.oxley@stroke.org.uk 07776 508 646

Vicki Hall

Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services vicki.hall@stroke.org.uk 0161 742 7478

Scott Weddell

Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland scott.weddell@stroke.org.uk 02075661528

Katie Padfield

Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising katie.padfield@stroke.org.uk

Out of hours contact

Press contact Media queries press@stroke.org.uk 07799 436008

Kate Asselman

Press contact Artist Liaison Lead kate.asselman@stroke.org.uk 07540 518022

Tell us your story

Press contact stories@stroke.org.uk 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.