Annabel Cookson

Great North Run 2024 for #TeamStroke🧠💜

100,000 strokes happen in the UK each year - meaning someone suffers from a stroke every five minutes🧠💜

This year I am running the GNR for the Stroke association - a charity very close to my family’s hearts🏃🏽‍♀️💜

In November 2022, my dad suffered a stroke which has taken up until the last few months for him to nearly make a full recovery from. My dad suffered with a facial droop, loss of coordination and loss of his speech. Luckily he did not get any weakness in his limbs and managed to get home following his stroke with the help and care of his family. We are all immensely proud of him and how hard he has worked to get to where he is now💜

As an A&E nurse, I also see and treat people affected by strokes daily, witnessing the devastating effects they can have on people and their family’s lives🏩💜 

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Damage to the brain can affect how the body works and how you think/feel. The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain and how big the damaged area is. 

A stroke is a medical emergency, if you spot the signs of a stroke, call 999 📞 

Stroke association work to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. They work to make sure stroke survivors get the very best care and support, and rely on donations to provide vital services, campaign for better stroke care and fund research into preventative and rehabilitative treatments💪🏼💜

Luckily, my dad did not need to reach out to stroke association and managed with GP/family support but many people are not as lucky and end up with life changing ailments following a stroke. Any donation no matter how big or small will mean so much to this wonderful charity and my family - love you dad💛💜