I'm taking part in the TCS London Marathon as part of #TeamStroke
In the UK, stroke is the 4th biggest killer and the leading cause of disability. Every 5 minutes someone in the UK has a stroke, unfortunately this time it was my Mum.
In August last year she suffered from multiple strokes in her brain affecting her speech and the left side of her body, leaving her unable to walk and limiting other basic physical and mental abilities. Fortunately, they have found the cause of the strokes, and she is receiving treatment that will hopefully decrease the risk of future strokes.
Fast forward a year, and she has made significant progress, learning to walk again (with a frame) and slowly gaining some independence back. There is a long way to go with rehab, but fingers crossed by April next year she will be in London cheering me on as a I run the marathon.
This was life changing for not only mum but all our family around her. My dad has been a rock for everyone of us, going to hospital every day for the 4 months she was in hospital, taking her to appointments, ensuring she is safe at home and helping her with basic needs.
We were lucky enough to have family that could help and support my mum, but not everyone has this. I have seen firsthand how hard it is to start again after a stroke and without support it is next to impossible.
I am delighted (and scared!!) to have been chosen by Stroke UK to run the London marathon and raise awareness and money for them, so people just like my mum can receive the help and support they need mentally and physically after a stroke.
