Charity smashes £4,000 target to save vital Bexhill Hospital stroke rehabilitation programme

Becky, Sarah & Owen from the #DoItForJosh charity met with the team at Bexhill Hospital’s Irvine Unit on Monday 2nd November, to officially mark the continuation of a vital local stroke rehabilitation programme. The charity has successfully hit its fundraising target of £4,000, stepping in to rescue a service that was facing a shutdown due to a severe lack of funding.

The vital funds will enable the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and Active Sussex to continue delivering structured activity sessions for stroke survivors within the Irvine Unit. Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability in England. Without targeted intervention, survivors face high risks of physical deconditioning, recurring strokes, falls, and cardiovascular diseases brought on by forced sedentary lifestyles.

The charity achieved its £4,000 goal through a series of dedicated community events earlier this year, including the grueling Three Castles Ultra Marathon in May alongside the Heart & Sole Runners, and the 4th annual Josh Alexander Cup in September, alongside numerous generous public donations.

"This cause holds a special place within the #DoItForJosh charity as its co-founder, and Josh's Dad, sadly passed away following a stroke last year," said Becky, Josh’s Mum and Chairperson for the charity. "We believe that this service would have been invaluable for him, and we know it will be for countless others on their road to recovery."