Douglas McCormick

I'm taking part in the Berlin Marathon 2026 as part of #TeamStroke

I joined #TeamStroke for the Berlin Marathon 2026.

Running has been a constant of my life since starting back in 2015, it gives me the space to clear my head and deal with the struggles that life throws at me, some of which are larger than others.

As many of you will know I have in the past raised money for 2 main charities that have helped both me and my family through some very difficult times, these have been the St Andrews Hospice in honour of my mum who passed in 2015 and the Stroke association following their support following my dads stoke in 2018.

Since having my 3 wonderful boys I have taken a break from fundraising as I felt I couldn’t dedicate the time needed to complete the events I wanted to take part in. However this year I have decided to go back on the fundraising road, having successfully returned to the marathon distance last year by completing the Paris marathon, The pinnacle of this year will be taking part in the Berlin Marathon, however there are several other events along the route. It is my intention to cover over 1,000 miles this year in total.

I have this year decided to go back to helping the Stroke association with my fundraising.

On  the 15^th October 2018 I found my dad collapsed at home, he had suffered a severe stroke and had been lying overnight. He was rushed to hospital where we were told that the prognosis was very bleak. Over the next two weeks we spent every day by his bed side waiting for signs of improvement.

Eventually his health started to show signs of improving but this was only the start of his recovery, it was discovered at this time that he reduced mobility down his left hand side, the stroke had also effected his speech however his long and short term memory seemed untouched which was a rare piece of good news. After 3 months in the hospital and countless hours of hard work my dad walked out of hospital and returned to his home.

The Stroke Association were a great support not only to my dad but also to me and my family. They gave me guidance in the adjustments we would have to make to our lives to allow my dad to live as normal a life as possible, they also gave me mental support in dealing with the changes that would come with the effects of the stroke.

1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke, the severity of which will differ massively, however the impact to their lives and those around them will always be massive and that’s where charities likes this come to the forefront.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this and support me on this journey.