Plymouth friends sail to fundraising success for the Stroke Association

Two Plymouth friends have taken on a sailing voyage from Bristol to Jersey over five days, raising over £2,000 for the Stroke Association.

Steph Booth, 37, from Stoke, was inspired to fundraise for the Stroke Association alongside her friend Sharon Smith, who had a stroke in 2009 at the age of 43. After her stroke, Sharon was told that she would never walk again. Sharon spent three weeks in a coma, but thankfully has made huge improvements in her recovery.

Steph, a Moment Banker from Barclays said: “This year Barclays joined forces with The Jubilee Sailing Trust sailing around the whole UK, giving staff the opportunity to sail a leg on the journey with a disabled or disadvantaged buddy. When I was told about it I jumped at the chance to be part of this challenge. Sharon is my manager’s sister, and I had heard how hard she had to fight to regain her strength and health following her stroke.

“Sharon has the most wonderful and caring personality, and I could think of no other person I would love to do this with. I really believe that her story and adventure will give others hope that there is life after a stroke.

“Taking part in the voyage showed me how a disability does not define you. It was relentless - and despite suffering from an awful bout of sea sickness, Sharon embraced it all. I am so very proud of her!”

Sharon said: “At the time of my stroke I had just trained as a midwife, which I absolutely loved, and I also I had two very young children. But my life turned upside down in an instant.

“Taking part in the sail is a challenge that would never have seemed possible to me eight years ago, and this achievement has massively boosted my confidence. It’s made me realise that my stroke won’t stop me from doing what I want to do. I had to put everything into the voyage, but I was determined to do it for myself, Steph and other stroke survivors.

“I now feel like I can do anything I set my mind too! The Stroke Association were a huge help in my recovery. I think they’re a fantastic charity and their support is invaluable. I wanted to raise funds for the Stroke Association to say thank you for they’ve done for me and my family.”

Jayne Hughes, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital that we have people like Sharon and Steph to help raise funds. We’re incredibly grateful to both of them for taking on this grueling challenge; Sharon is a real inspiration and proof that there is life after stroke. The money raised will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke and their families and carers, as well as helping to prevent people from having a stroke.”