Back in 2020 Alan was unfortunate to have suffered an Ischemic stroke whilst on holiday in Napier, New Zealand. He lost half his sight and was temporarily paralysed down his left side.

After repatriation to the UK, a long hard struggle ensued to get him back to some sort of fitness level that would enable him to build on for the future.

As Covid restrictions came into being this was made even more difficult. It meant he was unable to receive full medical help, including the physiotherapy that he so badly needed.

So with tentative steps he began his journey……

Alan first had to learn how to support his body in an upright position. Then very slowly, he learnt how to walk again and perform medial tasks.

Today Alan has slightly better movement, albeit still some left side immobility, which can be worse on some days, better on others..

He is also able to walk further, so attempting this challenge is now possible. In Alan's own words, "At least being half blind I won’t be able to see any sheer drops!"

Annoyingly though, on top of it all, Alan has recently developed epilepsy as a consequence of the stroke and ongoing complications. Let’s hope there’s nothing else thrown at him.

In short, The Stroke Association has helped Alan tremendously, and he wants to give back in some way. This endeavour is to also prove that life isn’t finished after a stroke!  

"If anything, surviving a stroke makes you appreciate life that much more. Well this is how I feel anyway."

Good luck to Alan on this incredible challenge, which takes place in December.  Should anyone like to donate to the Stroke association, you can do so here.