Local stroke charity asks Bristolians: “Walk with us to help our vital work!”

Each year, Bristol After Stroke helps nearly 1,400 stroke-affected local people get back on their feet after a stroke. Now the charity is asking Bristolians to lace up their trainers and walking boots, and put their best foot forward to raise vital funds.

On 28 September, the charity is holding its annual Charity Walk, and taking part will mean choosing either a one-mile accessible walk around Eastville Park, or (if you are able) a six-mile walk along the beautiful Frome Valley Walkway to Oldbury Court, returning back to Eastville Park.

“Last year we launched our Charity Walk and it proved hugely popular,” says Bristol After Stroke’s Fundraising Officer Jenny Hollis. “Almost 100 of our supporters came along – some in wheelchairs, many with their dogs and children – and together raised over £9,000. We’re hoping to do even better this year, and there’s an open invitation for anyone who would like to come along and join in the fun.

“We will have a wildlife guide sheet along our 6-mile walk and history notes for both walks, as well as refreshments at the Nissen Hut, who have kindly sponsored us again this year. We will even have water and a rosette available for your dog!”

The challenge

For many of the stroke-affected people who take part, a mile walk can represent a major challenge. 

One of those who took part last year is Pete Ward, aged 58, who raised over £800 last year by walking a mile – much further than he’d managed since his stroke, and he has been training hard and plans to be there again this September… this time to take on the whole 6 miles. You can read his full story below.

Entry to the walk costs £10 for adults and £1 for children (plus booking), and those taking part are also encouraged to get sponsored. You can find out more on: https://www.bristolafterstroke.org.uk/resources/charity-walk-

Pete’s story…

Pete Ward, in common with 1 in 4 stroke-affected people, was of working age when he had his stroke in April 2022. “I was leading a busy life,” he says, “as an insurance surveyor, assessing claims. I was also in the gym four or five times a week and very fit.

“The stroke really knocked me backwards at first, and I wasn't able to walk very far at all without getting really tired. I saw doing the 1-mile course as a challenge to really push myself and did lots of training around Page Park to build up my stamina. 

My wife, Tracey, my daughter Leah and my friends really got behind me – lots of them came along on the day to help me round.

“A mile was much further than I’d walked since my stroke, and Eastville Park isn’t flat either. I was really pleased to get round – in 37 minutes – and to raise over £800 in the process. I have a big circle of friends and family and people who donated and who realised just how tough doing this was for me.

“Since then, I’ve gradually been building up my walking and going into the gym. I really want to do the 6 miles this time: I’m one of those who always try to push my limits. 

"It would be nice to raise even more sponsorship this time too, as it all goes to helping others, like myself, who have had to rebuild their lives after a stroke.”