West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do chose to support the Stroke Association after Senior Instructor World Master Farquharson suffered a stroke in October 2016.
In October 2016, all West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do isntructors received a devastating call - senior instructor Vince Farquharson was in hospital after suffering a stroke at home, and he was paralysed down the right hand side.
All instructors pulled together, covering Master Farquharson's (then 6th Degree Black Belt) clubs in Dudley and Kidderminster, with Lisa Brown taking over Vince's roles as instructor at both colour belt and black belt gradings.
Master Farquharson, very luckily survived his stroke and returned to Tae Kwon-Do in March 2017 - less than 6 months after he was paralysed. Master Farquharson's first return to Tae Kwon-Do was at the March 2017 Colour Belt Grading, and unable to walk, Master Farquharson was highly respected as he entered the grading in his wheelchair.
After this Master Farquharson was determined to get back to teaching and from April 2017, he attended every one of his clubs, progressing from a Wheelchair to a Walking Stick to support himself. He also decided to go back and attend every TAGB competition. This determination and loyalty did not go unnoticed and in November 2017, Master Farquharson was promoted from 6th Degree Black Belt to 7th Degree Black Belt - NOW World Master Vince Farquharson!
Since this date, Master Faruqharson has gone from strength to strength and he is now back to kicking and punching at all 5 of his clubs, teaching 6 days a week. Tae Kwon-Do has fully supported World Master Farquharson's recovery - and eventhough hes not back to full recovery or movement, Master Farquharson has certainly made remarkable progress.
Now, a qualified personal trainer - Master Farquharson's stroke made him realise how important helping the local community with health and fitness is, and every student who walks through the door is supported within their own capabilities until they are ready to push further. There is no use in keeping a determined person down - and World Master Farquharson really represents how Indomitable Spirit is all you need to keep going.
Since 2017, West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do have put together a Charity Squad who go round different events raising money for the Stroke Association. We have set up BRAND NEW Just Giving pages. If you would like to donate or join one of our charity events, please contact Georgia Elwell on 07446393872. We are thankful for any bit of support.