Dr Caroline Knight, Head of Psychology and Consultant Neuropsychologist for The Oakleaf Group took part in Steptember and raised £795 for the Stroke Association. She shares her motivations for taking on the challenge and what the support from the Foundation’s match funding grant scheme means to her below.
“In my day job I am privileged to work with many stroke survivors and see their challenges and those of their families first hand. Stroke has also impacted members of my own family and led to changes in function and feelings of isolation and loss of role. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the work of this charity whose vision is for there to be fewer strokes, and for people affected by stroke to get the help they need to live the best life they can.
The aim of Steptember was to walk 350,000 steps in 30 days which works out to be 11,500 per day. This number represents stroke survivors of which there are an estimated 1.2 million in the UK. More than half have been left with a life-limiting disability. About one third (350,000) have aphasia which impacts their language and ability to communicate as a result of the damage to the brain.
I am now very aware what a large number 350,000 is! There were sore legs and days where this was a hard slog and I am left in awe of all of the people recovering from a stroke who I know attempted Steptember this year. I managed to finish it early in 26 days and friends and family were hugely kind in sponsoring me £495. I was just delighted when the CareTech Foundation approved my application for match funding and made this up to a final total of £745. Every penny counts and I know the Stroke Association will put this to very good use.”