Aisha Hussain

I'm taking part in the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon with #TeamStroke

In 2022, my dad and I signed up for the Great North Run. Days into training, he suffered a brain haemorrhage and stroke, which rattled my world completely.

My dad’s life changed overnight. He went from cycling endless miles to struggling to breathe without an oxygen tube, losing the ability to swallow and communicate in the most basic ways.

It was in that moment that I realised just how many of us take life for granted.

From that day onwards, life changed completely. Four years on, I continue to see how deeply the stroke has impacted my dad’s life and independence. The stroke took so many things away from him, but nonetheless, he remains optimistic, fighting the odds against him and striving for greatness day by day.

Over the last few years, I’ve continuously wanted to run a marathon, not just for myself, but for him too. To honour what we had started. To do something we once set out to do together.

It’s different this time.

The time has now come. I will dedicate the next year to training for and running the London Marathon, not only to honour a promise to myself, but to raise money for the Stroke Association.

Charities sit closely to my heart because my dad once ran one. I’ve seen first-hand how they have the ability to change lives, advocate for the vulnerable and bring light to so many things that are often overlooked.

This is personal.

I’m running for my dad, for the life he continues to rebuild, and for every family who knows what it feels like to have their world turned upside down by stroke.

We started this journey together in 2022, before life took an unexpected turn. Four years later, I have the opportunity to honour that dream in a way I never imagined.

I can’t change what happened to my dad, but I can choose what I do with it. If running 26.2 miles can help another family access support, raise awareness or feel less alone in their journey, then every single mile will be worth it.

Abu, this one is for you. We started this together, and now it’s my turn to carry it over the finish line.

If you’re able to donate or share my fundraising page, I would be incredibly grateful. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will help support the vital work of the Stroke Association.

Here’s to the next year of training, pushing my limits and doing something bigger than myself.