A STROKE survivor has walked almost 30 miles in less than a week to give back to the charity who supported him in his recovery.

After suffering a stroke in 2017, Bob Appleby set himself the challenge of walking a marathon in seven days, starting on Sunday, March 27.

The 77-year-old, from Bartington, was determined to give something back to the Stroke Association.

And he’s done exactly that, raising almost £1,500 so far – it’s even more of an achievement as he completed the entire challenge using crutches.

Reflecting on his marathon walk, Bob said: “I did a total of 29.2 miles, so I surpassed it a little bit.

“It took me five-and-a-half days. It was very hard; it took me just under four hours per day.

“I set off on the Sunday and my son walked with me. It was a nice day, and I wore blue and yellow to show my support for Ukraine.”

The Stroke Association provides specialist support, funds critical research and campaigns to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives. 

According to the Stroke Association, the FAST test can help people recognise the most common signs of a stroke – which strikes every five minutes in the UK.

  • Facial weakness: Can they smile, or has their mouth or eye drooped?
  • Arm weakness: Can they raise both arms?
  • Speech problems: Can they speak clearly and understand you?
  • Time to call 999: If you see any of these signs, call 999 quickly.

“When I had my stroke, I didn’t collapse to the ground,” Bob said.

“I knew, or I guessed, I was having one and I put my arm on the work surface in the kitchen and lowered myself to the ground and put myself in the recovery position.

“I was only in Leighton Hospital for nine days and they thought that was a bit of a miracle in itself.

“I walk on crutches – I can’t walk without them - and I got my wife to bring them to the hospital.

“Because I had them there, I was out of bed on day two.

“I was up and away, I was pleased with myself.”

There is still time to donate to Bob’s efforts.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Robert-Bob-Appleby.