Unexpectedly, on Friday 24 February our world changed when my mum suffered a stroke. Despite the amazing work of paramedics there was nothing that could be done to save her and we had to say goodbye. As a family we were, and still are, devastated.

After suffering with my back over recent months I wasn't going to run the London Marathon this year but I changed my mind so I could raise a little money for The Stroke Association in my mum's memory. 

The marathon itself was very tough. With limited training, I was up against it and the pain and discomfort started early. With my mum watching over, I managed to keep going and finished in a time of 3:01.36. Not my quickest marathon time but one that makes me feel very proud. 

I have been absolutely blown away by the fundraising support I have received. A huge thank you to each and every one of you who has donated!

The Stroke Association are the UK's leading stroke charity, delivering amazing, life-changing support to over 70,000 stroke survivors and their families each year. Without people raising funds for the Stroke Association they could not provide the support and research that they do. Your donations are so important to rebuilding lives after stroke. Where your support goes:- £80 could allow a a stroke survivor to attend a six week communication computer course- £199 could pay for one hour of Helpline activity- £310 could pay for the initial training and expenses of a befriending volunteer- £1,685 could pay for a fitness coach to provide stroke specific exercise rehabilitation- £40,000 funds a Lectureship Award for stroke doctor, nurse, therapist or scientist for a year- £450,000 fully funds a Priority Programme Award in haemorrhagic stroke, vascular dementia and stroke, or the psychological and cognitive impact of stroke, which would run over the course of 5 years