A STROKE survivor is set to climb the highest mountain in Britain for charity.

Robert Cunningham, 67, will climb Ben Nevis to raise funds for the Stroke Association after he suffered a stroke over four years ago.

Despite now suffering with balance problems, fatigue and lack of heat sensation on the right side of his body, the Chairman of the Wokingham Stroke Support and Recovery Group is determined to see his challenge through.

Mr Cunningham said: “There’s no doubt recovering from a stroke is one of the biggest challenges life can throw at you – but climbing Ben Nevis comes pretty close.

“I know first-hand how devastating a stroke can be, and understand the struggles that stroke survivors have to go through on a daily basis.

“So I want to raise as much as I can for the Stroke Association. The charity provides an essential service in raising the profile of stroke in the UK and also gives stroke survivors and their carers a vital lifeline of support.”

Mr Cunningham will begin the 4,409ft climb over 10.75 miles on Tuesday, May 16 or Wednesday, May 17 depending on weather conditions. He expects to complete the ascent in around seven to nine hours.

The popular figure was inspired to raise funds for the charity after he suffered a stroke in December 2012 when he was 62.

Mr Cunningham was writing a Christmas card to a friend when he suddenly collapsed onto his back and was left unable to stand. He was able to call his wife, Chris, who recognised the signs of a stroke and called 999 immediately.

Tammy Angus, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Robert for taking on this amazing challenge – he is proof that there is life after stroke, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.

“With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke.”

The Wokingham Stroke Support and Recovery Group which is affiliated and supported by the Stroke Association meets every second and fourth Thursday of every month.

They provide early life after stroke support for stroke survivors and their careers.