A FATHER and son fund-raising team from Greenlands have been awarded a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association in recognition of their for the charity.
Steve Fitter and his son Antony created Project Banana, a year-long fund-raising campaign named after Steve’s nickname, after the 56-year-old suffered a major stroke in June 2013, when he was told he would never walk again.
Used to working long hours as an IT project manager and frequently running, swimming and cycling long distances, Steve’s stroke had a massive impact on his life and initially left him with no movement on his right-hand side.
Although he has now made a good recovery physically, Steve has been left with aphasia, meaning his ability to communicate has been affected.
But the pair have not let it hold them back and have since completed a series of half marathons, endurance events and triathlons – raising over £2,500 for the charity.
Following their success, the family were nominated for the Fundraiser of the Year Award by Joanne Hoy, stroke recovery service coordinator at the Stroke Association, who supported Steve throughout his recovery.
She said: “It has been a very long and emotional road for Steve and his family – their commitment to fund-raising for the Stroke Association while recovering from a life-changing stroke is commendable. They truly deserve this recognition for their amazing efforts.”
Steve and Antony were presented with the accolade by Dave Hill of Slade fame at a celebratory event at The ICC in Birmingham last Wednesday (November 25).
Antony added: “The Stroke Association has played a big part in my dad’s recovery – by creating Project Banana, we hope we’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.”
Nominations for the 2016 Life After Stroke Awards are currently open and close on 30 April 2016.
Visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA for more information.
