Emrhys Cooper

For My Mum — And Everyone Living With the Impact of Stroke #TeamStroke

My amazing mother, Raphaela Cooper, had a devastating stroke just over six years ago. She hasn’t recovered. She lives with profound, life-changing effects and now requires full-time care in a nursing home. Stroke didn’t just interrupt her life — it permanently altered it.

Seeing this first-hand has shown me just how brutal and far-reaching stroke can be, not only for the person affected, but for the whole family. It’s something that never really ends.

Stroke has touched my family more than once. My grandmother also died as a result of a stroke, which makes this cause deeply personal for me. It’s not abstract — it’s lived experience.

That’s why, in 2026, I’m proud to be running the TCS London Marathon as part of #TeamStroke, raising funds for the Stroke Association.

There are over 1.4 million people living with the effects of stroke in the UK, and 100,000 strokes happen every year— that’s one every five minutes. Stroke can happen to anyone, at any time, and its impact can last a lifetime.

The Stroke Association is there for people trying to rebuild their lives after stroke — providing vital support, campaigning for better care, and funding research into prevention and rehabilitation. None of this happens without donations.

Every mile I run is for my mum.
Every donation helps someone facing life after stroke.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for supporting this cause.