A WOMAN is preparing to take on her first triathlon in support of her childhood friend, whose life changed when she suffered a stroke at 18.

Katie Warburton, who met Charlotte Covey when they both started school in Knutsford 27 years ago, is training to take on the Boundary Breeze triathlon in Manchester on July 9.

Six weeks after being involved in a minor road accident in 2004, Charlotte suffered a stroke due to a clot in her neck and was left needing lengthy rehabilitation.

Charlotte, who developed anorexia as a result of the mental strain of the incident, has now started volunteering and sharing her story.

She said: “I couldn’t move, walk or talk. I couldn’t write because of paralysis in my dominant hand and it led to about nine months of rehabilitation and hospital.

“There are the side effects and the mental difficulty of coming to terms with my situation and my life ahead. It’s a massive deal to take on at such a young age.

“I have only just started volunteering with the Stroke Association, about two years ago. My stroke was 13 years ago, so it’s taken me a long time to come to terms with it all.

“I’m really, really embracing it and the association have been so helpful with raising my confidence. I do talks about my history, and my experience.”

Katie lost touch with Charlotte for a number of years, and says she has been inspired by her friend’s positive attitude.

She said: “We got back in touch around 10 years ago, so I have seen her recovery since then and I want to do this for her.

“She has grown so much in confidence it’s untrue. She doesn’t hide her disability, and that’s what I really like about her.

“Volunteering has helped her – she wants to go out and spread the word, and help others.

“The challenge and the charity cause went hand in hand. It’s such a big challenge, and I’m not usually the person who jumps out of planes and things like that for charity, but I wasn’t there when Charlotte had the stroke and I want to give back to her.

“It’s two challenges – complete the event and raise money for a great cause and a great friend.”

Click here to follow the fundraiser.