This is a charity very close to my family's and my heart. By running 26.2 miles, it is my goal to raise as much money as possible for the Stroke Association, supporting stroke sufferers and importantly, raising awareness. 

My Story

My father unexpectedly had a major stroke at the young age of 28, leaving him with a right-sided disability and dyspraxia. This was a huge shock to him and my family, particularly my mother who was pregnant with me when my father suffered the trauma. It was initially advised he had experienced a severe haemorrhagic stroke (link for more details) and it was unlikely that he would awake from a coma state. As a result of the assistance from the stroke ward with continued care and rehabilitation support, along with my father's inspiring determination, he recovered from the coma state, determined to live his life as normal as possible. With support from the stroke unit and my family, he found ways to manage his disabilities over the years following the trauma. Unfortunately, my father passed away from a tragic accident in 2002.

Some years later, my cousin, whom I have a very special and close relationship with, being only 6 weeks apart in age and having grown up together, suffered a stroke at the age of 19. She was extremely fit, healthy and strong so it was a devastating shock for her and my family. The care provided in the first 72 hours was vital in ensuring her recovery and the severity of the after affects. Again, the support and her determination to recover helped her recovery; she went on to pursue her dream career in the police force. Although a better recovery is expected for younger stroke sufferers, she still manages the after effects of her stroke years later. 

My grandfather has also suffered smaller TRI strokes; these have been quickly diagnosed by the hospital so he has recovered, suffering only minor after effects. 

Most recently in late 2019, my older brother aged 31 also suffered a major stroke. Again, similar to my father, this was a devastating shock for a man so young. He and his partner had their first child together only 3 months before. This was an extremely stressful time for him and the family. Again, we could not fault the assistance from the stroke ward both at the time of the trauma and the months after. The recovery process is still ongoing but my brother's determination to be an active and involved father and step father to all four boys keeps him motivated daily. 

Words cannot describe how proud I am of my family who have suffered this trauma, showing sheer perseverance and determination.  I will think of them all whilst embarking on my training and running the marathon. 

The Charity

The Stroke Association are the UK's leading stroke charity, delivering life changing support to stroke survivors and their families each year. The charity relies heavily on charitable donations, which have suffered dramatically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide support and research; these donations are extremely important to rebuilding lives after stroke. 

The diagnosis and immediate care after a stroke is crucial to how it affects sufferers' lives. As the life long disabilities are varied and personal to each sufferer, dedicated support and care is essential to enhance recovery. 

It is for these reasons that I support this charity, to promote awareness and fund care and support. 

I would greatly appreciate your support and a donation for this cause.