Holly Bacon

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.