STROKE survivors and their families from Warminster are preparing to raise money for the Stroke Association in Step Out for Stroke, a series of fundraising walks this month.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Lynne Wilbur, from Warminster, will join her daughter Sara Rogers and her grandchildren in Plymouth for the walk in Hoe Park.

Lynne's husband and Sara's step-father Fred had a stroke ten years ago, when he was a fit and healthy 59-year-old, and was left with locked-in syndrome, a condition which caused paralysis in all parts of his body, apart from the muscles that control eye movement. As a result, Fred can only communicate using his eyes.

Sara, a student at Plymouth University said: “Within an instant Fred’s life was turned upside down. Stroke is a cruel condition, and Fred’s stroke has really opened my eyes to just how devastating it can be. It inspired me to quit my job as a teaching assistant and go to university to study Occupational Therapy. I want to work with the charity and stroke survivors, to support people like Fred in their life after stroke.

“Mum and I wanted to do something to help the Stroke Association with the incredible work they do. I’ll also be joined by my three beautiful children. The Step Out will be emotional for us both, but I know we’ll feel so proud to be there on the day.

To sponsor Sara and Lynne, please visit: www.justgiving.com/Sara-Lynne1 or www.justgiving.com/Lynne-Wilbur

Meanwhile Warminster man Tony Wright, 67, is taking part in the Step Out for Stroke walk in Warminster park on Sunday, May 21, alongside his wife Helen, after experiencing a life-changing stroke in 2015. Tony had a stroke whilst on holiday in Spain which left him with weakness on the left side of his body. Throughout his recovery, Tony has been determined to improve and regularly attends the Stroke Association’s Melksham Peer Support Network.

Helen Wright said: “We’ve met many different people through the Stroke Association who have all helped with Tony’s confidence. This will be our second Step Out for Stroke event, and this year we’ve challenged Tony to go faster and further. Getting involved in the Step Out event really boosts our spirits. We’re hoping our children and grandchildren will also join us on the day.”

Tony said: “The Stroke Association have been a huge help in my recovery. Taking part in Step Out for Stroke is our thank you to the charity for all they’ve done for us. I’m really looking forward to taking part again this year; Helen has our purple wigs at the ready.”

To sponsor Helen and Tony, please visit: www.justgiving.com/Helen-Wright51

Jayne Hughes, community and events fundraising manager, at the Stroke Association, said: “Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level.

“We’re inviting the whole community to come to this fun day out and help us make it an event to remember. Our Step Out for Stroke events mark a milestone for many stroke survivors taking part, and it’s an event that the whole family will enjoy. Everyone taking part will be joined by hundreds of people across the UK who are walking to raise vital funds for everyone affected by stroke.”

To find out more about Step Out for Stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout