Teenager to Step out for Stroke in nan's memory

Buy photos » Claire Benfield and Jodie Smith (left and right) from the Stoke Association, with Megan and dad Lee (centre). Picture by Carl Jackson.

BROMSGROVE teenager Megan Clarke is hoping as many residents as possible across the district join her in Sanders Park on September 30 and Step out for Stroke.

The 13-year-old said she 'just wanted to make a difference' and raise as much money as possible for the Stroke Association - the charity which helped her nan Margaret before she died in February after suffering a stroke.

Megan's grandad David has moved in with the family full-time following a stroke of his own 16 years ago which caused him to lose the use of his left arm and left him struggling to walk and talk.

Megan, who started at South Bromsgrove High School this week, added: "My grandparents are both very inspirational people to me and I look up to them for lots of reasons but mainly because of how strong they have always been."

Megan's dad Lee is also joining her at the event which will be the pair's second charity walk after they did one in aid of cancer support.

Lee said: "This walk is very personal because of the impact strokes have had on our family.

"More should be done.

"People have to live with these for the rest of their lives - they are not just flash in the pan moments.

"I didn't realise the effect it had on Megan.

"She has been so strong."

There will be a variety of entertainment on offer on the day including stalls and face-painting for people to enjoy from 1pm, with the walk taking place between 2pm and 5pm.

Those participating can walk as many laps of Sanders Park as they feel they can manage.

Claire Benfield the Stroke Association's regional fund-raiser for Bromsgrove, said: "We leave the challenge open so people can make it personal to them.

"Many stroke survivors often want to do something but can have mobility problems following their stroke.

"So you can sign up to walk one lap or 100 laps during the afternoon."

Registration costs £5 with walkers encouraged to get sponsorship from family and friends.

For more on the event, visit www.stroke.org.uk/event/step-out-bromsgrove or call 01527 903903.

For more on stroke in general and Bromsgrove's Life After Stroke Centre, go to www.stroke.org.uk

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