12 hour stroke challenge raises an oar-some amount of money for the Stroke Association

Stroke survivor Michael Taylor has proved that there is definitely ‘Life after Stroke’ by taking part in a 12 hour rowing challenge on Saturday 26 July, with the help from over 50 other rowers including his four sons, and former GB Olympian rower Ali Sanders.

The Stroke for Stroke team were rowing on ergometers along the River Thames in Putney on Saturday. Michael (68), and his sons Jamie (34), Alex (31) Luke (25) and Will (22) Taylor, were joined by a number of rowing enthusiasts on the day, ranging from international to rank amateur oarsman and women, including a 9 year old who rowed an amazing 11km’s, and a veteran world champion rower.

The team aimed to row one million metres, but in Team Taylor spirit they went above and beyond and rowed 1,151,121 metres.

Michael, who had a stroke in 2012, has incredibly risen over £25,000 for the Stroke Association to help those affected by stroke and their families. Michael said:
“The day was a huge success! I’m totally overwhelmed by the support and seeing everyone work together as a team to reach our goal was fantastic. A huge thanks to HSBC for the use of their rowing club, and to everyone who either rowed, cheered or sponsored. Roll on next year…!”

Ruth Dunkin, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association in London, said:
“We were so impressed with how the day went on Saturday. We were blown away with the team’s dedication and support throughout the day. Everyone who came to the day was so enthusiastic - even on the twelfth hour! We want to thank everyone that was involved in making the day the huge success it was. The atmosphere was electric, and that’s with huge thanks to the rowers, supporters and spectators. There are around 13,500 people who have a stroke every year in London and over 128,000 people are living in London with the effects of stroke. We’re a charity that relies on people like the Stroke for Stroke team to raise funds so we can be there for as many people as possible whose lives have been changed by stroke.”

There’s still time to sponsor the Taylor family by visiting www.justgiving.com/stroke-for-stroke

August 8, 2014