David Steptowe

I'm taking part in the TCS London Marathon as part of #TeamStroke

In September 2022 my Grandad, affectionately known as ‘Gerry’, had a stroke. Grandad was always an active man; known around his village of Northrepps for walking his dogs and always having biscuits for neighbouring dogs. The stroke changed everything. Losing all mobility in his right side, Grandad was left bed ridden but determined to work his way back to the life he once had. In January of 2023 Grandad was released from hospital, much to his own elation. He had a very long way to go, but being in the comfort of his own home would only fuel his efforts. However, after surviving near fatal Sepsis, Grandad was back in hospital and this time, too poorly and requiring constant care, Grandad was on his way to live out his days in a care home. Never the life he longed for, Grandad lost all enjoyment - he loved to read, to watch the Tour de France, to entertain me and all our family with stories of unfortunate sleep walking escapades and of course, he loved his stamps and to walk his dogs - but after his stroke, my visits to him would find him gazing into space, barely conscious of the world around him. When, in November 2023, Grandad came down with a serious infection, he refused medical treatment, instead wanting an end to his own suffering. We said goodbye to Grandad, or ‘Gerry’, on the 30th November 2023 and there is still a hole left from his departure. 

Sadly my experience does not end there. Two days after Grandad’s passing, on 2nd December 2023, my Nan, once married to Grandad but separated for over 30 years, had her own stroke. Mercifully Nan’s was far less severe and she is still with us today, but Nan suffers at its hands, being wheelchair and bed bound. A reminder to us all of the cruelty of this thing.

Therefore, I joined #TeamStroke for the TCS London Marathon 2025 in memory of my Grandad and as support for my Nan. 

Anything you can give, anything at all, makes such a difference and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please also find below a short blurb from the Stroke Association.

Love and thanks

David x

“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.”