A Watford woman is fundraising to thank NHS staff who cared for her father after he suffered two strokes.

Joanne Atkins will be taking part in the London 2 Brighton 100km challenge on May 27.

It will be her second fundraiser in her father’s memory and to raise money for the Langley House NHS neurological rehabilitation centre in Watford.

Watford Observer: Joanne will be taking part in the London 2 Brighton challenge for the seventh time in May. Joanne will be taking part in the London 2 Brighton challenge for the seventh time in May. (Image: Joanne Atkins)

Her father Malcolm, a former carpenter, first stroke was caused by a blood clot in his brain, and the second by a bleed when he was in hospital.

Ms Atkins, 46, told the Watford Observer how difficult it was for her father to receive the correct care because the centre has limited space and “desperately needs more funding”.

She said: “Dad was stuck in hospital for much longer than he should have been whilst waiting for a place to become available.

“These residential centres are few and far between and simply do not get the funding they desperately need.

“That is why I've chosen Langley House as my charity for 2023, as well as to recognise the wonderful care provided by the staff, and for my Dad.”

Watford Observer: Joanne took part in an indoor 10km challenge in February Joanne took part in an indoor 10km challenge in February (Image: Joanne Atkins)

Ms Atkins, 46, praised staff at the home for the support her father was shown.

She said: “Because of the stroke he could be a bit difficult, shouty and aggressive but they were really good with him.”

He stayed at the centre for nearly in April and May last year before he was moved to a care home. He died on February 16, 2023.

Ms Atkins has already surpassed her £1,000 target after she completed an indoor 100km challenge using a treadmill, cross trainer, and bike in the gym.

The event was held on February 28, 2023, a year after her dad suffered his first stroke.

She added: “Please give whatever you can to help raise much needed funds for this essential facility. 

“A stroke can happen to anyone in the blink of an eye.”

May’s challenge will be the seventh time Ms Atkins has taken part having previously raised money for animal charities.

She said: “The good thing about the challenge is you can run, walk or jog, it is up to you.”