Caroline Garde - TCS London Marathon 2027 with #TeamStroke
In March 2026, at 29 years old, I experienced an "eye stroke" or Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) causing the sudden and likely permanent loss of vision in my left eye.
It came completely out of the blue. I was healthy, active and had none of the typical risk factors associated with stroke. Within minutes, I had lost the majority of vision in my left eye.
What has stayed with me most since this happened is how little we still understand about why strokes happen in younger people and how limited the options are once they do. While I've been incredibly fortunate to retain my independence and continue doing things I love, the experience has given me a whole new appreciation for the impact stroke can have on individuals and families.
Rather than letting this hold me back, I want to continue to challenge myself. Running the London Marathon is about proving that life can still move forward after a life-changing event. The following weekend, I'll also be taking on the Dublin Half Marathon, and if you know me well you know I will be complaining the entire way around (on both weekends).
Every day, hundreds of people wake up to the devastating impact of stroke. By supporting my fundraising, you'll be helping the Stroke Association provide vital support to stroke survivors and their families, fund life-changing research and campaign for better care and outcomes for anyone impacted.
Thank you so much for your support, it really means a lot to me.
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
🎉 Raffle Prize Update for London Coffee Morning
Wednesday 15th JulWe've already secured some amazing raffle prizes, including:
🧖 Sauna vouchers from Sauna Social Club, Arvo Sauna and Community Sauna Baths
❄️ A Cryotherapy & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy experience from Revive Recovery
🍽️ A tasting menu for two at Angelina
🍷 A £100 voucher for Bistrotheque
🍕 Dinner for two at Crisp Pizza Marylebone
🍝 Dinner for two at Noci Shoreditch
🎨 Pottery painting experiences from Pottery Café Fulham and Pottery Café Battersea
🧢 A Mile Off running cap
🧦 A pair of Mile Off performance running socks
🌶️ A White Mausu hamper
🥗 A Farmer J voucher
🥧 A Humble Crumble voucher
🥤 Pallets of Poppi Sparkling Water (12 cans) x 3
...and plenty more still to be announced! 👀
A huge thank you to all of the incredible businesses supporting the fundraiser. Every raffle prize helps us raise even more money for the Stroke Association.
Thank you to my sponsors
£104.60
Diarmuid Doyle
£100
Joseph Cramp
Sifan Gardesan lfgggggg
£100
Lara And Harry
£55.88
Milo Dunne
Gowan!!
£55.88
Tom & Lottie
Good luck Caroline!!
£54.75
Jigar And Lavanya
Go Caroline!!!
£54.75
John Kennedy
Stay well Caroline❤️
£54.75
Danielle & Ian
GEWANNN YA GOOD THING !!! 🩷 proud of you x
£54.75
Denise K
Caroline you are a super lady. Wishing you great success on your run! You are a shining star for others. Dx
£54.75
Annie Cramp
Go girl! I’ll be cheering you on every step of the 26.2 miles xx
£54.75
Elizabeth Keith And Stephen Campion
All the best! N and G and S
£53.55
Pete Cramp
Go Caroline! x
£50
Ross & Evin
Best of luck Caro, we’ll be cheering you on!!
£50
Lizzy Mckeon
Well done, this is an incredible feat. I’m really proud of you xx
£50
Tim & Katie
Amazing cause - good luck with the marathon we will be cheering you on the whole way!!
£43.60
The Dropout
£39.20
Meridy Cleary
£28
Ciara H
Go Caro the GOAT!
£25
Charlie Giffin
£25
Maeve Prenderhast
Go on Caro!!!! With you (in spirit 🤪) every step of the way !!
£25
Aoife Kennedy
My inspo !!!! Keep moving ya tart 💘
£25
Adam Spollen
Well done! From a friend of Aoife's
£25
Ed Fairey
Go well!
£25
Thomas Rafferty
Good luck Caroline and well done❤️
£25
Anonymous
£25
Iarlaith Mccarthy-hanb
£25
Diana
You’ve got this!
£20
Darragh
£11.55
Hannah W
Loved reading your “why”. GET IT GIRL.🔥
£11.55
Jane Campion
Go on girl!
£6.18
Slay