Fraser Austin

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

HERE WE GO!! 

On the 26th April I will be running the London marathon for the Stroke Association to say thankyou for all the work and support that they have provided. 

In June 2024 my wife Leanne had 2 strokes, the first was extremely scary but she recovered quickly. We were given lots of very helpful leaflets explaining what may have caused it and what signs to look out for by the stroke association. 

One week after the first stroke we found out Leanne was pregnant, we were extremely excited but also so scared as Leanne had many CT and MRI scans which could affect the pregnancy.

Shortly after Leanne noticed signs of a second stroke thanks to the information given to her by the stroke association. The second stroke was a lot more severe and terrifying as Leanne had to have many more CT and MRI whilst pregnant. 

The recovery started it was extremely hard but Leanne did everything she possible could to get better for our baby. It took her just over a week to find the strength to be able to walk again but that was just the start, Leanne did 3 months of intensive physio to be able to walk, talk and use her arm again. 

The mental strain was horrendous, I had to watch her cry every night out of fear it would happen again. She had a call from an extremely helpful lady at the stroke association who gave her the tools to get help. 

From my perspective, this was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. At times there were thoughts that Leanne may never fully recover or suffer more. I want to say a massive thank you to family, friends and work colleagues that have helped and supported us through this ordeal. 

Whilst dealing with all of this one of my closest friends Ryan had a stroke, he hadn’t even realised that he had the stroke. He also had a long recovery ahead of him but we were there to help with what we could. 

Leanne managed to birth our beautiful son and is managing to bring him up even with residual weakness. 

This will be extremely hard but I am up for the challenge, This is also a weight loss journey.

One month in and I’m already 2 stone down, but there is still a way to go but I am determined to do this for my wife and son so that I can support Leanne and be able to run around with Frankie. 

Thank you for reading our story and for the support.