I'm taking part in the TCS London Marathon as part of #TeamStroke
In 2011 I had a Stroke at the age of 17 on a driving lesson whilst driving. I have made a full recovery since then, only because of my young age at the time and determination to never give up.💪
I know not every Stroke survivor is as lucky as me and I want to do whatever I can to help raise as much money as possible for those who weren’t as fortunate, and to provide help to anyone who needs it to recover from having a Stroke as I know first hand how difficult and horrible it can be.
I have always been active and loved running since being a child, it has always been a hobby and a love of mine not just for my physical health but also mental health.
When I had the Stroke in 2011 I remember in the recovery phase setting myself 3 goals:
1. Overcome my fear of driving and pass my driving test- completed✅.
2. Go to university and get a degree- completed.✅
3. Run the London Marathon for The Stroke Association and prove to everybody that having a Stroke does not mean you are weak and unable, you are as strong as you believe you are and can overcome anything- in progress ⏳
I have always been a person who believes you should try and push yourself out of your comfort zone and test your limits, exceeding expectations and pushing boundaries wherever possible in whatever field that may be- work, home, fitness etc.
In the years after my Stroke I have been pushing my limits in terms of fitness challenges and pushing what I am capable of every time, from 10km’s to Tough Mudders to Half Marathons to Triathlons, all progressing to this one moment to finally reach what I feel like could be one of the biggest moments in my life and for everything to come full circle and complete what I set out to over 13 years ago.
I simply cannot put into words and express to you how motivated I am and ready to complete this next challenge, because for me, if me doing this makes a difference and helps just one person or aids in their recovery at all then I am happy. I want to show to Stroke survivors out there that you are not alone and you can do it!
I joined #TeamStroke for the TCS London Marathon 2025.
There are over 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK, with 100,000 strokes happening in the UK each year. That's one stroke every five minutes.
We're here to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke, so we work with the stroke community to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support. We rely on your support to provide vital services, campaign for better stroke care and fund research into preventative and rehabilitative treatments.
My Achievements
Fundraising page set up
Added a profile pic
Made a donation
Shared your page
Hit first milestone
Hit second milestone
Reached 50% of target
Hit final milestone
Reached fundraising target
Training and Fundraising update
Thursday 17th Oct Training and fundraising are both going so well.I’m running the London Marathon for the Stroke Association!!
Friday 6th Sep It still hasn’t sunk in yet, my application to run the London Marathon 2025 for the Stroke Association as part of #TeamStroke has been accepted!Thank you to my sponsors
£250
Armorduct Systems Ltd
£106
Mum
So proud of you Ashley - I know you’ll smash this xxx
£106
Paul Martin
So proud of you Ash. You have fought to get back to full health over a decade. You will always climb every mountain with or without your Dad! Hard work equals rewards. Love Dad, Tam and Grandad.xxx
£100
Steve & Tanja
Good luck mate. Go smash it 👊
£53
Anonymous
Best of luck, you got this
£53
Anonymous
Good luck! Such a great cause😊
£53
Kevin
£53
Sarah Billson
Hope all goes well for you.
£50
Joshua Price
Most hard working human I know. Smash it mate
£50
Aico Ltd
Good luck, Aico
£50
Guy
Buzzing for ya pal! Great cause and know you'll give it everything you've got!
£42.40
Christine & Mark
Go Ash hopefully be there to cheer you on
£31.80
Anonymous
£30
Dylan And Charl
Good luck! Dylan and Charl x
£27
Amy Martin
You got this Ash!! Xxx
£26.50
Bharat Shingala
Good luck mate.
£26.50
Jonathan Waller
£26.50
Becky
What an amazing story and a great cause 💛
£26.50
Alex Short
Great cause, Great man...
£26.50
Scott Mckenzie
I ran the marathon for Stroke Association last year after my mum passed away from one. So I would like to donate after reading your story. It’s such a great day. Good luck, hope you have the best day 🏃♂️.
£26.50
Jayneeka Lad
Goodluck Ashley, you’ll completely smash the London Marathon. From what I have seen from past walks you are definitely determined to complete any challenge you sign up for. Reading your story, you have certainly come along way and are very strong minded to succeed with any challenge you set your mind to Good luck with your training and Marathon next year
£25
Shirley Stembridge
Good Luck Ashley... Shirley and Mark xx
£25
Samantha Bragg
Good luck Ashley
£25
Chloe Murray
Good luck!
£25
Mike Hughes
All the best Ashley - you’ll have a great day!
£25
Aaron Brookshaw
Go smash it mate!!
£25
Anonymous
£21.20
Charlie Hayes
Good luck mate!
£21.20
Mark Busby
Good luck Mate
£21.20
Martin Lee
Good luck mate
£21.20
Olivia Holmes
You can do this Ash, I’ll hopefully be there with everyone cheering you on!🎉🎉
£21.20
Lara Stewart
£21.20
Anonymous
£20
Paul Winspear
Good luck Ashley smash it. All the best Paul W
£20
Lorraine Julian
Best of luck Ashley.
£20
Steve Wardill
Mate you're an inspiration to many. You'll smash this goal 100%
£20
Matt Brass
You're a legend mate, you'll smash it 💪
£20
Callum Masterson
You’ll smash this mate, good luck!!
£20
Emma Hackney
Cmonnnnnn babe - you got this! 🏃♂️➡️
£15.90
Matthew Barker
Lightwork mate you’ll smash it
£15.90
Scott Divers
Great work mate, good luck!
£10.60
Anonymous
Best of luck in the Marathon I'm sure you'll do it with all your determination
£10.60
Tim Havard
£10.60
Yahan
Extremely proud of you mate, you've got this!
£10.60
Sophie Berry
You’ve got this 💪🏽
£10.60
Mathew Clarke
£10.60
Beth & Jim Bingham
Good Luck Ash!!
£10.60
Mitch Edwards
£10.60
Harry Launders
TOP MAN
£10.60
Carole Powell
🏃🏻♂️Good luck on running the London marathon 🏃🏻♂️
£10.60
Fionn Kearney
£10.60
Michelle Oneill
Good on you. All the best Ash. I am sure you will smash it. Michelle at WM Building Services :) xx
£10.60
Wing-lee Chan
An incredible story and love your determination and resilience. Good luck and enjoy the run! The crowds will be amazing!
£10.60
Jitfit Ltd
REFUSE TO GIVE UP!
£10
Emma Johnson
Good luck!
£10
Anonymous
£10
Paul M. Kelly
All the best, great cause and good luck with the marathon
£10
Cummins Uklc
£10
Jen & Reg
Good luck Ash, love Jen and Reg x
£10
Will Merrington
Good luck in the marathon mate
£10
Colin
Good luck mate
£10
🧌
Mr Amazon himself. The boy that bleeds orange and blue. Good luck bro and much love. Hope you smash it out the park and can’t wait to see you with that new trim!
£5
George Francis
Good luck Ashley, all the best mate! 👍