I am sure you are all aware that TIA's, strokes, aneurysms and brain haemorrhages can cause long lasting and often lifelong difficulties.

There is no warning and these types of brain injuries can ocurr at anytime, to anyone.

Over the years, my family has been greatly affected by strokes. Both my parents have had strokes, my mother in law has had a TIA and extended family have had strokes also.

Most recently, one of my most dearest and closest friends, Gavin Egan, suffered a stroke too. This happened on new years day morning after feeling ill upon waking up. Gavin was rushed to Blackpool Vic and then on to Preston Royal before being transferred back to the Stroke Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital a few days later.

Gavin spent a number of weeks on the stroke unit where he received so much support from Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, therapists and specialists before being discharged home where he still receives support from the unit.

It is still a long road for Gavin but the help and support received from the stroke unit, and their team of specialists, has been essential in Gavin's continuing recovery.

To raise money for this fantastic and essential unit, so they can help more people who find themselves in a similar position to Gav, I am taking part in a dart-a-thon.

This will take place on Saturday 27th June. I will set up my dart board at Fleetwood Masonic Hall and have given myself a target of playing darts until I reach 100,000 points. At my skill level, this will take approximately 12 hours, if not more.

If anyone could be so kind as to sponsor me for doing this, any money raised will be donated to the Stroke Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Also, there will be plenty of spare darts on the day so should anyone want to come and have a throw, you'd be welcome to come and help!

I thank you all in advance.

Ben