A STROKE survivor from Mangotsfield is encouraging people to join him on a fundraising walk to raise money for Bristol After Stroke.
The charity is holding its annual walk on September 28, with people able to choose either a one-mile accessible walk around Eastville Park or a six-mile walk from the park along the Frome Valley Walkway to Oldbury Court and back.
One of those who took part last year is Pete Ward, aged 58, from Mangotsfield.
He raised more than £800 by walking a mile – and this year plans to take on the six-mile route.
Pete he had his stroke in April 2022.
He said: “I was leading a busy life 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 one-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 realised just how tough doing this was for me.
“I really want to do the six miles this time.”
Bristol After Stroke fundraising officer Jenny Hollis said last year’s walk involved almost 100 supporters, including some in wheelchairs, and raised more than £9,000.
She said: “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 six-mile walk and history notes for both walks, as well as refreshments at the Nissen Hut, who have kindly sponsored us again this year.”
Charity chief executive Rebecca Sheehey said: “All proceeds from the walk will help people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire to rebuild their lives after a stroke.”
Entry to the walk costs £10 for adults and £1 for children. For more details visit tinyurl.com/4mm63pvj.
Pete’s fundraising page can be found at tinyurl.com/2x89dzw5.