We did it!
Leanne Ashcroft raised £4,500 from 98 supporters
or
Start your own crowdfunding page
Closed 11/10/2017
Iʼve raised £4,500 to help fund specialist chronic stroke treatment for Mick Howlin, who is fighting to be able to talk and get movement in his arm again.
- Lancashire and Surbiton
- Funded on Wednesday, 11th October 2017
Don't have time to donate right now?
Story
Have you ever had that feeling that nobody is listening to you - feel frustrated and angry? Imagine experiencing that emotion all day, every day. Sadly, this is what my Dad is now living with after suffering a massive stroke back in Feb 2016. Its called Aphasia, a communication difficulty that’s estimated to affect 350,000 people in the UK.
Its hard not to feel angry, stroke stole my Dads speech. Its stolen precious time too. Ella, (my 2nd daughter), was born 9 days after Dad’s stroke. He’s missed out on what should have been such a special time - we all have. It’s funny though, the two of them have a unique bond as they have been mirroring their learning. Ella has a few words, and amazingly my Dad now has a few too!!
We’re 18 months on, and Dad has had to go back to basics and re-learn everything. From eating, drinking, walking, talking, reading and writing. It’s been the biggest fight of his life, but it feels like he’s starting to win. He can walk now and last week he independently wrote Mum’s name for the first time. Also, he can lift his right arm which was left paralysed.
Heartbreakingly, we just can’t have a conversation! Its like playing the hardest game of never ending charades. You feel like the weakest member of the team by not being able to understand what that person is so desperately trying to communicate. In real life - it sucks. That’s what Saturday 16th September is about. A group of us will be taking part in Rough Runner. We’ll be overcoming obstacles with friends, having a good laugh, whilst raising awareness / funds at the same time. If you can donate anything no matter how big or small it would be so greatly appreciated.
The goal to achieving this is by getting Dad out of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit - where is he living. Getting him on a cruise, and taking him to America for specialist treatment. Please look at the link for more information and inspirational success videos. http://www.strokebreakthrough.com/blog/ We will need to go by boat (as he can’t fly because of smaller clots in his legs). This ironically will also help him achieve a life long dream of sailing the seas!!
I’m not going to lie, there was once a time that I wondered if I should be praying for his life to come to an end, as getting better seemed impossible and watching him suffer was intolerable. We’ve always been determined to stay positive, focussed and to never lose hope - which has been a bloody challenge!!! One and a half years later however, this strategy is proving successful!! We want to try everything possible to give him a chance of a better quality of life. If you can, please help us to accomplish this!!
Updates
3
- 7 years ago
Leanne Ashcroft
7 years agoHere's our official picture. What a fabulous day with an amazing team! And once again, thanks to everyone who sponsored us!!!! You'll help make a difference!!! xxx
Share this update to help us raise more
- 7 years ago
Leanne Ashcroft
7 years agoWell, we only went and smashed Rough Runner!! We smashed a few body parts too. Even the super fit one's in the team are aching ha. What a fun day, loads of laughs and some tough challenges, but we completed it altogether - even the dreaded travelator! I'm so proud of the team who have been a rock of support, and also thanks to all of you who have sponsored us and sent lovely messages! If you haven't sponsored us yet - you still can!! We're so close to hitting £10,000 - now what an achievement that would be!! Thanks from me, Steve and Mum xxx
Share this update to help us raise more
- 7 years ago
Leanne Ashcroft
7 years agoThank you so much to Mark Cowan for his amazing donation of £5000!!! Its massively appreciated by all of us!!! 'Good luck Mick, you'll be on the mend in no time!' - Mark. As this was paid directly to us, we're pleased to reduce the target to £25,000. So far we've raised a huge £8,650!!! We can't thank you all enough. So touched by everyone's generosity and kind words of support!!! We're getting closer to making this all possible and its all down to you fabulous people! xxxx
Share this update to help us raise more
Leanne Ashcroft started crowdfunding
Leave a message of support
Supporters
98
Anonymous
Oct 11, 2017
Dear Michael wishing you a speedy recovery because you deserve it. All our love Ann and Roy xx
£60.00
Ollie banks
Oct 10, 2017
Great achievement pridders and the rest of the team
£20.00
Selina Pridmore
Oct 10, 2017
This is from my parents for our race. Xx
£40.00
Jean Pugh
Oct 10, 2017
You're all doing a wonderful job
£20.00
Nigel & Elaine
Oct 10, 2017
best wishes to your dad x
Annabelle Hughes
Oct 10, 2017
Amazing fundraising achievements, sending love and best wished to you Leanne and your friends and family xx
£20.00
Anonymous
Oct 10, 2017
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a new type of fundraising where you can raise funds for your own personal cause, even if you're not a registered charity.
The page owner is responsible for the distribution of funds raised.
Great people make things happen
Do you know anyone in need or maybe want to help a local community cause?
Create you own page and donʼt let that cause go unfunded!
About CrowdfundingAbout the fundraiser
Leanne Ashcroft
Lancashire and Surbiton
Hi, I'm Leanne - Mick's daughter. Family means everything, and that's what this crowdfunding page is all about. I never realised how cruel a stroke can be, knowing there is a treatment out there that could help him, means we have to give anything a try to make it possible!