AIDEN GOULDEN

I'm running the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon

Hi, I'm running the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon for the Stroke Association on May 10th.

My grandad — a sociable, active, larger-than-life man — suffered a stroke in 2009.

He wasn’t someone who sat still for long. He loved conversation, community, and being outdoors. Whether it was chatting with friends, helping neighbours, or keeping busy with projects, he lived fully and independently. He was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome, and his presence filled a room.

But strokes don’t discriminate.

Living in a remote area meant that when it happened, time was not on his side. Access to emergency care was slower. Specialist treatment wasn’t just down the road. In stroke cases, every minute matters — and geography made those minutes even more critical.

The odds were not in his favour.

And yet, he beat them.

His survival is something we will always be grateful for. But survival is only part of the story. Recovery from a stroke is long, complex, and life-changing — not just for the person affected, but for the whole family. The physical impact is only one piece; there’s also the emotional toll, the frustration, the adjustments, and the resilience required to rebuild a life.

That’s why I'm fundraising for the Stroke Association.

They work tirelessly to support stroke survivors and their families — providing vital information, rehabilitation support, advocacy, and hope. They fund research that improves survival rates and recovery outcomes, and they help ensure that fewer families face the fear and uncertainty we did.

If you can, please consider donating.

Your support could:

Fund life-saving research

Provide recovery services for survivors

Offer guidance to families navigating the unknown

Help improve stroke care access, especially in underserved and rural areas

My grandad’s strength and determination carried him through. Not everyone gets that chance.

Let’s help give more people the support, care, and second chance they deserve.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for supporting this cause.