Raymond off to Everest for Stroke charity

By David ThompsonA DUNLOY man is planning a trip to Nepal to raise money for a stoke charity. What is different about this journey is that Raymond Kelly is recovering from a stroke himself.

Raymond, 41, had a stroke when he was just 38. He now suffers from aphasia, a condition that affects his ability to communicate. Despite this, he is determined to help those who have helped him.

The walk will take place over sixteen days, and the target destination is Everest Base Camp. It has been organised by Anna Corr from Newtonabbey, who is recovering from a stroke herself. But getting this far hasn't been easy.

Raymond needed the approval of four doctors before the trip was possible, and getting insurance also proved difficult. But with the support of his wife Denise and children Dearbhla and Sean, not to mention his own remarkable determination, Raymond will leave for Nepal on 21st May.

The challenge will obviously require a lot of physical strength, and he has been training for over an hour each day to prepare. When they get to Nepal, the group will be walking for six hours each day. Despite the size of the challenge ahead, Raymond is confident.

"I am at a time in my life where I need a big challenge, and I'm going to do it right! I'm too young to sit at home and do nothing. I can't work because of health and safety, so it has been great to have this as my goal" he said.

Denise, who Raymond describes as his rock, has helped him to cope with life since his stroke. A keen sports fan, he still buys a newspaper everyday, and she helps him by explaining the story to him, as reading is difficult. The trek is a bit of a worry for Denise, who admits she will be relieved to see him home again.

A fundraiser in the Bridge Bar, Dunloy last Saturday, raised over 2,200 for the Stroke Association NI. Denise has expressed her thanks to everyone who helped. "I'd like to thank my friends and family who have helped with this. The amount of money raised is brilliant, especially as people are finding it hard financially at the moment. We couldn't have done it without all the support."

As well as raising funds for The Stroke Association Northern Ireland, Raymond hopes his expedition will raise awareness about strokes. "People think it is old people who suffer from stroke. But I want people to know that it can happen to young people as well" Raymond said.

"I see myself as being lucky, there are people worse off than me. I had almost given up hope, but the people in the Stroke Association really helped me. Now I try to help the new people in my group" he said. "I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet. Being away from the cars and mobile phones."

He will be away from 21st May to 8th June. Thirteen other people are taking part. Anyone who would like to sponsor Raymond, can find out more by going to the website www.justgiving/thecorrsgotoeverest.com.

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