RAF veteran trains for Worthing 10K after stroke rehabilitation

An RAF veteran who was left paralysed after suffering a stroke is preparing to take part in the Worthing 10K as a fundraiser for the charity that supported his rehabilitation.

Ed Sampson, 57, plans to walk the final 100 metres of the event on 7 June after spending six months receiving intensive treatment at Care for Veterans in Worthing.

Ed suffered a stroke in December 2023 and underwent rehabilitation at the charity’s in-house physiotherapy facility before returning home in 2024. He will complete the event with his wife Vikki, who will push him in his wheelchair around the course before he leaves it to walk the final section independently. Ed said he continues to use Care for Veterans’ physiotherapy services as part of his recovery and training.

Care for Veterans, which provides long-term nursing, rehabilitation and care services for veterans and their families, said Ed has made significant progress during his recovery. Physiotherapists and staff at the organisation said they had seen him steadily increase both the distance and speed of his walking.

Ed and Vikki will be among 20 people taking part in the Worthing 10K in support of the charity. You can sponsor Ed by visiting his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/vikki-sampson-4