Taylor family completes 12 hour stroke challenge

Stroke survivor Michael Taylor has proved that there is definitely ‘Life after Stroke’ by completing a grueling 12-hour rowing challenge to raise funds for the Stroke Association. More than 50 rowers, including Michael’s four sons and Olypmic oarsman Ali Sanders, took part in the event, which was held at Putney Embankment on Saturday 26th July.

Michael (68), and his sons Jamie (33), Alex (30) Luke (25) and Will (22) Taylor, were joined by a number of rowing enthusiasts on the day, ranging from international to rank amateur oarsman and women, including a Masters World Champion and a 9-year-old who rowed an impressive 11km. 

The team aimed to row 600 miles but, in typical ‘Team Taylor’ fashion, they went above and beyond and rowed a whopping 720 miles. Michael, who had a stroke in 2012, has raised over £25,000 for the Stroke Association so far, to help those affected by stroke and their families. “The day was a huge success!” Michael said. “I’m totally overwhelmed by the support, and seeing everyone work together as a team to reach our goal was fantastic. A huge thanks to HSBC for the use of their rowing club, and to everyone who either rowed, cheered or sponsored. Roll on next year…!”

Ruth Dunkin, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association in London, said: “We were so impressed with how the day went on Saturday. We were blown away with the team’s dedication and support throughout the day. Everyone who came to the day was so enthusiastic – even on the twelfth hour! We want to thank everyone that was involved in making the day the huge success it was. The atmosphere was electric, and that’s with huge thanks to the rowers, supporters and spectators. There are around 13,500 people who have a stroke every year in London and over 128,000 people are living in London with the effects of stroke. We’re a charity that relies on people like the Stroke for Stroke team to raise funds so we can be there for as many people as possible whose lives have been changed by stroke.”

There’s still time to sponsor the Taylor family by visiting www.justgiving.com/stroke-for-stroke.