A Cambridge teacher has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of her courage and determination to fundraise.
In February 2016 Lucy Cochrane-Brown ran the Cambridge Half Marathon raising £2,554 for the Stroke Association. Lucy was inspired to take on the half marathon after her father, Don, had a stroke in 2011. Don’s stroke left him with vascular dementia and unable to walk.
Don’s stroke came just nine months before he was due to walk Lucy down the aisle for her wedding. Don spent five months in hospital, and with the help of friends and family he managed to walk a few steps on Lucy’s wedding day.
Lucy was nominated for the Fundraiser of the Year award by Tam Marshall, Community and Events Fundraiser for the Stroke Association. She said: “It has been a very long and emotional road for Lucy and her family. Lucy’s commitment to fundraising for the Stroke Association while helping her father recover from a life-changing stroke is commendable. Lucy truly deserves this recognition for her amazing efforts.”
Lucy received her Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at The Marbrook Centre in St Neots on Friday 9 December, which was supported by the Neurological Rehabilitation Centre. Her certificate was presented by Sara Betsworth, Regional Director at the Stroke Association in the East of England.
Lucy said: “The Stroke Association is a really amazing charity. By running the half marathon and also fundraising at the school I work in, I hope I’ve raised more awareness of stroke, and also vital funds to help the charity continue the important work they do. The nomination means a lot and we really appreciate being recognised in this way.
“Life as we as we knew it changed when Daddy has his stroke, however the amazing work that The Stroke Association does, shows that there really can be life after a stroke. By running the half marathon and having the incredible support of King’s College School, Cambridge, where I work, my only hope was to raise more awareness of stroke and, of course, the vital funds to help the charity continue the important work they do. The nomination means so much to me, as could be seen through my teary acceptance at the award ceremony! I am so very grateful but more importantly am just delighted to have, in some small way, helped raise funds and awareness for this wonderful charity.”
Sara Betsworth, Regional Director for the Stroke Association in the East of England, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the East of England were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage local people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same.”
The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations. For more information visitwww.stroke.org.uk/LASA
