Two men and a donkey!

In a selfless gesture of good will, a Wigan couple have restored the faith of two men and a donkey on a charity mission.

Tom and Mike Baxter, along with Fergal the Donkey, are trekking 153 miles across Northern England with no money, no food and no water. They’re hoping that the goodness of strangers will keep them fed, housed and amused along the way. During the trip the pair are raising money for The Stroke Association.

Pat Lowe was coming back from the shops when she spotted the pair with the donkey, and remembered seeing a news item on BBC North West Tonight the night before. She knew they’d be looking for a place to stay for the night, so she and her husband Eric offered to put them up in her home.

'They had supper, stayed in a spare bedroom, and then had breakfast in the morning. Fergal was absolutely fabulous. He stayed in the back garden and just ate a little bit of grass. He’s just gorgeous!' said Pat.

The trek started in Liverpool on 10 August. You can see more information on their website, womenandadonkey.moonfruit.com/. They will be travelling via the Liverpool/Leeds canal, Wigan, Blackburn and Burnley on their way to Goole.

Mike Baxter, 27, said, 'It can sometimes feel like we live in cynical times. Tom and I are on a mission to prove that regardless of the confusion that our world presents, people are still kind, generous and good.

'The people of Wigan have been very kind. We stopped at The Orwell Pub at Wigan Pier, where the manager Howard bought us a pint. Even Fergal was warmly welcomed into the pub! Julie from The Stroke Association brought us some sandwiches and apples for Fergal, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

'We are taking on this challenge for The Stroke Association because a stroke can happen to anyone at any age and we are determined to back them in their mission to prevent strokes and reduce their effect through providing services, campaigning education and research. It is estimated that 67,000 will loose their lives to stroke each year – it‘s a cause close to our hearts.'

Julie Ainscow, from The Stroke Association said, ‘It was such great fun to meet Mike, Tom and Fergal. The trio has really captured the hearts of everyone at The Stroke Association. We’re so grateful for the creative way in which they’ve helped to raise awareness  and funds for the UK’s third biggest killer. It’s through this kind of support that The Stroke Association is able to help prevent strokes and get people back to life after stroke.’

Notes to editor

If you would like more information about stroke, The Stroke Association or its services please call Julie Ainscow at The Stroke Association on 0161 742 7478 or 07852 906 711.

• Although it is a long and arduous journey, with support and encouragement, enjoying life after stroke is possible.

• 40% of all strokes could be prevented through simple lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular blood pressure checks, stopping smoking and cutting your alcohol intake.

• In the UK, 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK each year. There are over 67,000 deaths due to stroke each year in the UK.

• Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other chronic disease. Over 300,000 people are living with moderate to severe disabilities as a result of stroke

• A stroke is a brain attack which causes brain damage.  A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST – Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999.  If any of these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

• The Stroke Association campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community support services as well as providing information through its helpline, leaflets and factsheets.
 
•         The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0303 303 3100.

•         More information on The Stroke Association can be found at www.stroke.org.uk .

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