A WIRRAL woman has committed herself to a gruelling year-long fundraising mission raising money for Stoke Association.

Lauren Curry, 23 was inspired to raise vital funds for the charity after her grandad Harry Gornall had two strokes, leaving him in need of 24 hour care.

Lauren said: “I’ve chosen to do these challenges to push myself to the limit, both mentally and physically.

“It was a real shock when my granddad had his first stroke as he was fit and healthy. Now he has had a second stroke, we are beginning the long process of recovery all over again.”

From February 2016 to February 2017, Lauren will take on a series of unusual and gruelling challenges, aiming to raise £10,000 for the Stroke Association.

Harry suffered his first stroke in September 2013 aged 74, which left him unable to walk, eat, speak or write, and with very poor eyesight.

Harry’s second stroke happened this month as Lauren kicked off her fundraising challenge and he is currently recovering in Whiston Hospital.

She kicked off her mission with an all-day spinning masterclass at Thornton Hall Country Health Club.

Lauren is now preparing to take on a wide range of different challenges, including the Berlin Marathon in May, the Great North Swim in Windermere in June.

Her challenges will also include joining Lambeth cycling label, Huez, to take on Alpe d’Huez on Thursday 28 April.

Alongside the team, she’ll rent a Santander Cycle from Angel Station, drive through France, ride up Alpe d’Huez, and return the bike back to a docking station within 24 hours.

Lauren added: “My granddad has been supported by the charity and attends the Communication Support group in Knowsley each week, which he loves.

“I’ve been going along with him each week and have actually just signed up to be a volunteer for the charity.”

Her one woman fundraising mission will culminate with a gruelling Ultra Marathon through Arctic Sweden in February 2017.

Lauren will trek over a demanding 230km route of snow fields, mountains and frozen lakes, with temperatures dipping to - 30°C.

Lauren finished: “I’m nervous about the challenges, particularly the Ultra Marathon which will be my biggest challenge due to the distance and length of the trek, but I’m raring to go and I know it will all be worth it!”

She is also hoping to complete the Three Lakes Challenge, which involves kayaking 43 miles across the three largest lakes in Britain within 24 hours.

This 24 hour time limit will include travelling 380 miles between England, Wales and Scotland to each of the lakes.

Laura McMullin, Events Officer at the Stroke Association, said: “Without the efforts of fundraisers like Lauren, we wouldn’t be able to support the 42,000 people in the North West who are currently living with the devastating effects of stroke.”

Lauren is appealing to local businesses to support this challenge by providing a kayak and equipment.

To support, please contact Lauren on email@lauren-curry.co.uk

To sponsor Lauren, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/curry or text CRRY99 and your amount (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10) to 70070.

For more information about strokes, visit www.stroke.org.uk