I am a lifelong outdoors and sport enthusiast and I owe much of this to my Dad, Andy, who took me on some of my first runs and - along with my mum - stood in the cold at many a cross country race when I was a teenager! But it’s more than that. He has always inspired me: his love for Scottish mountains, his commitment to walking in the Peak District, the hours he spent in the gym well onto his 60s and 70s. He’s always been one of the most determined, brave people I know. 

Now my Mum and Dad are inspiring me again with how they’re dealing with the aftermath of a life-altering stroke. My dad’s stroke in November 2021 turned all of our worlds upside down. One day he was climbing a mountain, a couple of days later he was in hospital where he would stay for 6 months, the prognosis very bleak. He got through pneumonia and covid and against the odds was able to come home earlier this year, supported by multiple daily visits from carers. My parents have been working hard every single day to make progress with his physio. 

His stroke was so severe that he has - for now - lost his physical independence. With support from professionals and tireless work from him and Mum he’s already regained some things like swallowing food and water, sitting up unsupported and beginning to mobilise his left side, all things that were not deemed possible.

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. The specialist support, research and campaigning that The Stroke Association does are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from you, they can rebuild even more lives. Many stroke survivors and their families are doing the impossible every single day. I am running to raise awareness of this and to help The Stroke Association make a material difference. 

Please help us if you feel you are able to, I’ll be running every step for my Dad and for other people impacted by stroke.