Wisbech husband Terry Leftley is on a mission to raise awareness of the Stroke Association

A husband has smashed his target of walking 60 miles in a month to raise awareness of and money for the Stroke Association.

Terry Leftley set his challenge at the start of October to complete the distance, but yesterday, he passed his target, hitting 70 miles with a walk around Wisbech Park accompanied by town councillor Jamie Edwards, a friend, and also town mayor Sidney Imafidon.

Terry was inspired to complete the challenge by his wife Sharon.

In 2019 Sharon had a pacemaker fitted as she was suffering from bradycardia, or in layman’s terms she had a low heart rate.

Then in 2020, she suffered a stroke that left her partially paralysed down her left side, and now she struggles to do certain things.

Since then she has suffered three mini-strokes which are called TIAs (transient ischemic attacks).

Terry said: “I saw an advert on Facebook for walking 60 miles in October to raise funds for counselling and help with questions and someone to talk to so I thought I would do this and see if I can help raise awareness for the stroke charity, Stroke Awareness.”

Not only has Terry managed to raise money and awareness for the charity, but he has also benefitted from the regular walks.

He said: “Previous to doing this walk, I used to get out of breath very easily and I had high blood pressure but now I don't seem to get shortness of breath as much so I am going to keep it up even after this awareness.

“I will also look to see if they do anything else to help with the good causes they deal with.”

To donate and support Terry’s fundraising for Stroke Awareness you can donate via his Facebook page.

After his walk with Terry the mayor said: “Some say a brisk walk every morning, keeps the doctor away. Your doctor will love you for it and the NHS will thank you for it. Well done Terry.”