Ella Tomkins

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

Six years ago, I lost my wonderful nan to a stroke. She wasn’t just my nan, she was my best friend, one of my biggest supporters and the kindest soul you could ever meet. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss her.

She loved being outdoors, walking and sometimes running. She loved to keep active and we would always be doing this together. I know she’ll be with me every step of the way as I take on this next challenge in her memory.

To date, the furthest I’ve ever run is 10k. Not long after she passed, I walked 50 miles and cycled 50 miles on a mountain bike to raise money for Mind in just over 24 hours. Now, it feels like the right time to take on something bigger, something that truly pushes me, and to do it for her. 💜

In 2026, I’ll be running the Edinburgh Marathon in her memory, raising funds to help others affected by stroke and to honour the woman who taught me strength, love, and perseverance.

If you’re able to donate, share, or simply send a bit of encouragement my way, it would mean the world. Every step I take will be for her and for everyone who’s ever lost someone they love too soon.

Here’s to my nan — always with me, always inspiring me. 💫

There are over 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, with 100,000 strokes happening in the UK each year. That's one stroke every five minutes.

Stroke UK are 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.