RAF Veteran Ed Trains for Worthing 10K Finish After Life-Changing Rehabilitation

An RAF veteran who was left paralysed by a stroke has vowed to cross the finishing line of the Worthing 10K on his own two feet to thank the charity that helped with his rehabilitation.

Ed Sampson spent six months at Care for Veterans – a Royal Star & Garter Home in Worthing, where he received intensive treatment in its in-house physiotherapy room, following a stroke in December 2023.

Thanks to Care for Veterans’ dedicated team of physiotherapists and Ed’s hard work, the 57-year-old was able to return home in 2024.

He will be taking part in the 7 June fundraiser with his wife Vikki. She will push her husband throughout the course, but Ed plans to get out of his wheelchair and walk the final 100 metres to the finish line.

Explaining why he’s raising money for Care for Veterans, Ed continued: “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.”

Ed was an RAF Technician in the 75th Signals Unit and served from 1988-1997. Despite this, 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.” He added: “Sometimes I feel more sorry for my wife who has to push me for 9.9K!”

Vikki said: “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.”

Home Manager Vicky Strange added: “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.”

Ed and Vikki will be part of 20 people running the Worthing 10K for Care for Veterans.