I'm taking part in the TCS London Marathon as part of #TeamStroke
Why I joined #TeamStroke for the TCS London Marathon 2026.
When I was born, I had to be resuscitated and suffered a stroke that caused seizures and convulsions, which lasted for two full days before doctors were able to get them under control with medication. I was transferred to Hammersmith Hospital in central London, it was there that I had an MRI scan that showed the stroke had damaged the grey matter on the left side of my brain and parts of the right. The part that is responsible for speech, language processing, logical thinking, memory, and movement of the right side of the body.
At the time doctors told my parents I might be able to eventually walk or talk, but this was not guaranteed. Throughout my early years up until around 7, I was closely monitored at Hammersmith, where my learning was supported. Miraculously, because I was so young, my brain was able to rewire itself, and the right side of my brain took over many of the functions lost on the left. While I was left with some minor learning difficulties, right-side limb weaknesses, coordination challenges, and lifelong health conditions, I achieved an almost full recovery.
Now at 25, I live a completely normal life, most people would never know I had a stroke. Despite being prone to seizures and fainting linked to my epilepsy, I have pushed myself to achieve things that were never thought would be possible: completing half marathons, competing in HYROX events, and achieving my bachelor's and master's degrees.
I have never let my stroke limit me in life, and in everything I do, I hold myself to such a high standard and work so hard as it doesn't naturally come easy to me.
Running a marathon is my way of challenging myself and never taking for granted being able to do these incredibly hard things. From a baby who might never walk or talk to being able to push my body to its limits, I feel incredibly privileged. I know I am one of the lucky ones, and the Stroke Association supports those whose recovery is much harder. I want to raise money to help others have the care, support, and opportunities I was fortunate to receive.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and supporting me. This is something I rarely ever speak about, but supporting this charity, which is so personal to me, means a lot.
My Achievements
Fundraising page set up
Added a profile pic
Made a donation
Shared your page
Hit first milestone
Hit second milestone
Reached 50% of target
Hit final milestone
Reached fundraising target
Thank you to my sponsors
£106
Beatties
£106
Jess Rego
Amazing work. Holly! We'll be cheering on from the sidelines. Xx
£106
Andrew Bacon
We‘ll be there to cheer you on!
£106
Linda Bacon
So proud of you Holly ❤️
£106
Barbara Lillelund-ravn
So proud of you x
£100
Thea Toffolo
Endlessly proud of you xxx
£53.32
Richard Bacon
Best wishes Holly from Richard, Eira, Alex, Daniel
£53.32
Jill Locker
What you have achieved already is absolutely amazing, I know you’ll smash this challenge like you’ve smashed all the others ❤️
£53.32
Jordan Ellis
£53.32
Mandy And Family
Good luck with all the training Holly
£50
Anna Matthams
Good Luck Holly, we know you will smash it. From Anna, Andy, Freddie & Issy
£27.05
Anne Yelland
Good luck Holly… you’re amazing! 😊
£27.05
Nic Yelland
Good luck! 🏃♀️
£27.05
Jo Barford
Good Luck Holly from Jo John Molly Chas Harvey and Art x
£27.05
Andrea
Good luck Holly. A great cause
£27.05
Alice Loughran
Good luck 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
£27.05
Mike Benge
Best of luck Holly
£26.75
Eva Kemp
Good Luck Holly, you’ll smash it x
£26.75
Karen Mcdermott
Good luck, Holly.
£26.45
Charlie Bacon
£25
Lindsay Goubel
Good luck Holly x
£25
Bew Site Temp Division
GREAT WORK X
£25
Paul Smith
Great challenge, great achievements and have every bit of faith in you that you will smash this event
£21.84
Ali Reader
Congratulations Holly, I hope you have a great run and well done for raising money for a fab cause. Go Holly! xxx
£21.84
Tony Williams
You'll do great 👍
£21.84
Beth Greenhalgh
Super proud of you. My craziest friend always. Love you hol go smash it xx
£20
Alan Krzempek
£16.56
Beth Mills
Good luck Holly, you'll smash it! X
£11.33
Anonymous
£11.33
Nicole Chapman
Go smash it girl!x
£11.33
Pippa
Go Holly!! You are amazing 😍💪🏻💪🏻
£11.33
Katia
good luck queen xoxox
£11.33
Charlotte Acton
You go girl!! 🏃♀️💞💞
£11.33
Paul Maberley
Go & Smash it Holly
£11.33
Rachel Smith
Good luck Holly! You'll be fantastic!
£11.33
Sharon Kilcast
Well Done Holly!! A massive achievement.
£11.33
Danielle Scotcher
Good luck !
£11.33
Isaac Aubynn
£11.33
Deborah Mills
Go smash it Holly
£11.33
Sarah White Xx
Good Lucky Holly xx
£11.33
Millie Rogers
Good lucky Holly!
£10
Jamie
I want my money back if you don’t finish
£10
Lee Everitt
Good luck Holly
£10
Libby Saunders
Let’s gooooooo holly
£10
Alfie Moore
£10
Liv Watson
Go on girl!!!!
£10
Nic
You can do it Holly good luck x Nic x
£10
Liam Newsome
Smash it Holly! It's an unbelievable day!
£10
Aaron Treloar
Best of luck Holly, I know you will smash it though! =)
£6.11
Shannon Townsend
Good luck Holly! Smashing it xx
£6.05
Brogan
You’ve got this !!
£5
Immie Best
Good luck Holly! 🫶🏼
£5
Such an amazing challenge Holly. Go girl!