Paralysed RAF veteran vows to walk across Worthing 10K finishing line after training at Care for Veterans
An RAF veteran who was paralysed by a stroke has vowed to walk across the Worthing 10K finishing line his own two feet, after being pushed in a wheelchair by his wife for most of the course.
Ed Sampson is taking part in the Worthing 10K for Care for Veterans for the third time since he spent six months at the hospital home, receiving intensive treatment following a stroke in December 2023.
For the running event on June 7, the 57-year-old will be taking part with his wife, Vikki Sampson. She will push him until the final 100 metres and Ed then plans to get out of his wheelchair and walk to the finish line.
Vikki said: “How could we not do this again for the third year, each year trying to push ourselves to warrant the donations? The first year, we ran and pushed the wheelchair as a group. The second year, I pushed the wheelchair on my own.
“How could I even say 'I don't want to do it again' when Ed said he will walk the last 100 metres. This will be extremely hard for Ed, so me pushing the wheelchair to get to the 100 metres is easy, right!
“Ed has worked so hard to get to this position and I'm incredibly proud of him. It is testament to his courage and determination, and the superb work of Care for Veterans. It will be emotional for all his family and friends cheering him on when he crosses the finishing line.”
Ed has been training with the in-house physiotherapy team at Care for Veterans in Worthing, who have continued to work with him regularly since his intensive treatment following the stroke.
Belle Fisher, lead physiotherapist, said: “Ed’s been working really hard to get to this point, and we are all so inspired by him. He’s walking further with each session with us and his speed has increased significantly.”
Ed was able to return home in 2024 but is still regularly using the physiotherapy service at Care for Veterans to help with his recuperation and to prepare for his walk.
He said: “I was able to walk 50m, then 80m and I’m determined to walk the last 100m of the Worthing 10K. After my stroke, I never thought I'd be in the position to do this, there was a lot of doubt in my ability to walk again.
“But Care for Veterans looked after me during my stay and continue to do so as I train for the Worthing 10K. The team are so nice and work with me to help achieve my goals. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for their dedication and support.”
Care for Veterans is now part of the Royal Star & Garter group, following a merger with the charity in 2025. It continues to provide long-term nursing, rehabilitation, respite and end-of-life care to veterans and their families who live with disabilities, including acquired brain injury and degenerative neurological conditions.
Ed, a father of two, was an RAF technician in the 75th Signals Unit and served from 1988 to 1997.
He said: “Recovering from the stroke and preparing for the Worthing 10K is without doubt the toughest challenge I’ve ever undertaken. The support I’ve had from Care for Veterans, and from my wonderful wife and family, has often moved me to tears. Sometimes I feel more sorry for my wife, who has to push me for 9.9K!”
Ed and Vikki will be part of a team of 20 people running the Worthing 10K for Care for Veterans.
Home manager Vicky Strange said: “Ed stayed at Care for Veterans for six months and we were delighted to see him recover enough to return home to his beautiful family. But it’s another thing entirely to see him work so hard on achieving such a milestone, he’s come so far in his journey, and we are all so proud of him.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/page/vikki-sampson-4 to sponsor Ed and Vikki. They have set a fundraising target of £2,000.