Caring Widnes son to raise funds in mother's memory

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Caring Widnes son to raise funds in mother's memory by running London Marathon

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/loc ... ds-9079913" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A SON from Widnes will be raising funds for a charity which helps stroke victims by taking on the London Marathon in memory of his mother.

Eric Ireland, 39, a manager in Royal Mail’s quality and customer team, will take on the course around the capital’s streets on Sunday, April 26.

He is raising money for the Stroke Association so they can help support families who have been affected by the medical condition.

His mother Vivian experienced three strokes, an initial one aged 51 and major one four years later which left her completely paralysed on her left hand side.

A second serious stroke aged 65 left Vivian completely disabled and she passed away two years later.

Eric said: “After my mum’s first major stroke, she was wheelchair bound and her personality completely changed, but she still lived as much of a normal life as possible.

“However, after her second major stroke it was a really tough two years, which is why I’ve chosen to raise money for the Stroke Association. I want to help them provide support to other families affected by stroke.”

He will be taking on his first marathon after previously completing half marathons and has so far raised around £4,500 for the charity including matched funding from Royal Mail.

Eric added: “Training is going well and I’ve been following a training plan, running five nights a week.

“I’ve been delighted by all the donations from my family, friends and colleagues.

“Their support and knowing that I’m running in memory of my mum will help me get over the finish line.”

He is among Royal Mail Group staff across the country who are fundraising for their Charity Of The Year partnership with the Stroke Association.

The firm’s head of corporate responsibility and community investment Lily Heinemann said: “We’re thrilled to have so many Royal Mail runners just like Eric supporting the Stroke Association and taking on the 26 miles of London streets to help us to raise vital funds in aid of Life After Stroke Grants.

“In the next two years, we want to raise at least £2m for the Stroke Association, so that we can change the lives of thousands of people affected by stroke.”

Money raised will help the charity provide Life After Stroke Grants of up to £300 to help 10,000 stroke survivors, which fund equipment to give stroke survivors more independence and support.

The Stroke Association’s community and events fundraising manager Louise Lawless added: “Stroke can be devastating, but with the support of people like Eric we can make a real difference to people affected by stroke.

“We’ll be cheering him on every step of the way as he races through London this April.”

For more information call 0303 303 3100 or visit http://www.stroke.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

To sponsor Eric visit http://www.sponsorme.co.uk/ericireland/ ... athon.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;