On the 21st May 2024, at the age of 37 I had an ischaemic stroke.

Whilst it's fair to say this event had quite an impact on my family and I, I was incredibly lucky that my physical recovery was relatively quickly afterwards and I am still able to enjoy running and exercising.

When a stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down, it can change lives and people instantly and recovery can be incredibly tough. But the brain can adapt and people can make a full recovery.

So I am attempting to raise £5,000 for the Stroke Association to help fund specialist support, research and campaigning to help the people and the families of those impacted by stroke rebuild their lives.

This work is only possible because of the generosity, courage and determination of those who support the stroke community. With more donations and support they can rebuild even more lives.

I originally set out to raise £5,000 by challenging myself to undertake a series of events, culminating in completing the London Marathon almost 1 year after having my stroke.

So far I have raised over £2,700 and completed 8 out of what has become 11 events as I have added the Leeds and Edinburgh marathons to the list.

London, Leeds and Edinburgh are the big 3 events remaining, to be completed within 4 weeks of each other through April and May - the last, Edinburgh, is being held on on the weekend that is the 1 year anniversary of my stroke.

I am also holding a number of other fundraising events - a bake sale and football match to boost my total.

Progress to date:

* York 10k 2024 - 4th August. COMPLETE = 42:28 (PB)

* Tholthorpe 10k 2024 - 7th September. COMPLETE = 42:17 (PB)

* Roundhay Park 1/2 marathon - 6th October. COMPLETE = 1:48:17

* Leeds Abbey Dash 10k 2024 - 13th October. COMPLETE = 42:11 (PB)

* Yorkshire marathon 2024 - 20th October. 153 days post stroke. COMPLETE = 3:51:08 (PB)

* Dalby Forest trail 1/2 marathon - 1st December. COMPLETE = 1:41:24 (PB)

* Brass monkey 1/2 marathon 2025 - 19th January. COMPLETE = 1:32:49 (PB)

* Snake Lane 10 mile 2025 - 16th February. COMPLETE = 1:09:33 (PB)

* London Marathon 2025 - 27th April.

* Leeds Marathon 2025 - 11th May.

* Edinburgh Marathon 2025 - 25th May.