I'm taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon 2026 as part of #TeamStroke
I joined #TeamStroke for the Cardiff Half Marathon 2026!
There are over 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, and around 100,000 strokes occur every year. That's one stroke every five minutes.
I was one of them.
I am a young stroke survivor who had a stroke last year. I was living life at full speed when I suddenly felt unwell after an intense gym workout in September 2025. At first, I thought I had simply pushed myself too hard. But not long after, I experienced vertigo, vomiting, and an excruciating headache.
"The pain in my head hit me like thunder. Every breath hurt. I tried to drink water but couldn't swallow. I couldn't walk properly. I kept thinking, 'Why am I falling? I should be able to stand.'"
I called 999. In hospital, scans revealed a clot and a tear in an artery in my neck, which had caused a rare brainstem stroke.
"I spent three weeks in hospital trying to process what had happened, and I was the youngest patient there. I had to learn how to walk again. Someone had to help clean me because I couldn't do it myself. It was incredibly difficult having to relearn things that had once come naturally to me.
My greatest frustration was not being able to swallow. I couldn't eat or drink. I thought there would be medication to fix it, but they told me, 'You just have to wait.'"
When I returned home, I expected to recover quickly. Instead, I faced overwhelming fatigue and the emotional reality of surviving a stroke.
"I was always an 'I can do everything' kind of person, but I would try to do something simple, like washing the dishes, and be completely wiped out. Before my stroke, I felt I was operating at 100%. Now I feel more like 60% because my brain is still healing. I've had to learn my limits and rest when necessary."
I am truly grateful and blessed to have a strong faith and a solid support system throughout my recovery. However, I realised I needed additional support, so I began private psychotherapy to help me understand my ongoing fatigue, manage my energy levels, and process the emotional impact of stroke.
I also found comfort through my local Stroke Association support group. Listening to other survivors' experiences gave me reassurance during this challenging journey.
"It's good to talk to people who've been through it, even if their experience isn't exactly the same as yours."
It was a safe and non-judgemental environment where fellow stroke survivors could share their lived experiences, discuss their struggles, exchange coping strategies, and remind one another that we were not alone. Through the group, I formed meaningful friendships that helped me accept my new way of life. The social aspect of recovery is incredibly important in adjusting to life after a stroke.
As I continue my recovery, I am learning to adapt to a new way of living: staying present, understanding my limits, and prioritising my health and wellbeing.
With this in mind, I am taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon 2026 in support of the Stroke Association. My goal is to raise awareness of stroke, its prevention, its impact, and the challenges of recovery. I also want to help ensure that local peer support groups can continue supporting stroke survivors, just as they supported me in rebuilding my life after stroke.
I hope you will support me by making a donation. Your contribution will help the Stroke Association continue providing vital services, campaigning for better stroke care, and funding research into stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Thank you for your support!
My Achievements
Fundraising page set up
Added a profile pic
Made a donation
Shared your page
Reached 50% of target
Reached fundraising target
Thank you to my sponsors
£106.85
M.g
£100
Anonymous
£100
Gcc Ltd
You're just amazing!
£100
Philip Crozier
Best of luck Jermaine!
£63
Daddy Darwin
So proud of you, Jermaine. Sending love from the US
£55.88
Marvin Castro
Hi Jem, sorry kaayo nahitabo ni. Kusgan gyud ka na taw sa akong pagkaila nimo. Makalipay na ok raka.
£55.88
Andy B
I'm so thrilled to see that you're back and doing well! Good luck with your awesome challenge. Jermaine Forever!
£55.88
Kyle Honeyfield
Good Luck from Kyle and Kate
£55.88
Kenneth Estrologo
Incredibly proud of you, Jim! Your story, strength, and determination are truly inspiring. ❤️ Cheering you on every step of the way, all the way to the finish line! Hugs, M&K
£55.88
Georgi Popadiyn
£50
Tim & Cath Waller
Good Luck Jermaine. We know you will do it as you are such a determined and positive person and we are wishing you all the best on the day x Tim & Cath
£50
Alex Rudd
£50
Matt Nobbs
All the best Jermaine! Hope you are keeping well X
£50
Peter Barlow
Well done Jermaine
£50
Joseph Tucker
£30
Claire Piller
Go and smash it Jermaine, you'll do amazing 💪 💪
£29.50
Kate Baynham
Good luck!! We're all behind you x
£28.44
Lydia Morris
So proud of you and inspired by you Jermaine! Your resilience is amazing x
£28.44
Karen Allera
£28.44
Alun Escott
£28.44
Jamie Parrett
£28.44
Helen Custard
Jermaine, welcome back and good luck with your challenge and your continued progress. Best Wishes Helen
£28.44
Abdul Al-meshhedani
Good luck Jermaine! We are all so proud of you!
£28.44
Diane Lim
Good Luck Jem, fighting!
£28.44
Iain Whitelock
£28.44
Anonymous
£28.44
Natalja Petkune
Good luck Jermaine with half marathon next month! Sending you love x
£28.44
Stelian Naftanaila
Great effort for a great cause, best of luck!
£28.44
Richard Wilkins
All ths very best, from the Wilkins family!
£26
Emily Andrews
£25
Rafa Teruel
You are an amazing person, no doubt you will overcome this challenge!!
£25
Pete Jackson
Don’t push yourself too hard.
£25
Curtis Elsmore
£25
Anonymous
£25
William Morgan
Good luck Jermaine!
£25
Nicole T. Cimafranca
Im so proud of you, Jem. Praying for you. God bless 🙏
£23.45
Simon Neville
£23.45
Tej
Go smash it J!!
£23
Honey Parrett
がんばって!
£20
Kieran Thomas
Good Luck Jermaine!
£20
Joe Palmer
You are Amazing!!! - Go Jim Go! Hopefully see you on the course 🥳🏃🏻♀️
£20
Joe Pugh
£20
Elizabeth Ridgway
£20
Alun Jones
£17.89
Claire Sanico
£12.25
Jun Saso
Cheering and supporting you always Jem!
£12.25
Laura Barrow
£12.25
Zirih C
You're in my prayers Jem. Best of luck!
£12.25
Zyra Joana Visaya
God is good Jem. You got this. Praying for your full recovery.
£12.25
She & Jep
Go for it Jemma!
£12.25
Anonymous
Keep pushing, Jem! May the Lord continue to be your strength and may He bless you always!
£10
Louise Lorimer
Jermaine, you amaze me daily. You're can do attitude and drive to continue to be the best version of yourself. Goodluck!! XX
£10
Phil Russell
£10
Ellie Pearce
Go Jermaine ! So proud of you for getting back out there and not letting your experience change your can-do crazy attitude!
£10
Femi Tan
£10
Lucy Haddock
Good luck Jermaine!
£10
Hugh Jones
£5
Mikolaj Glaz
£5
Rhys Proctor
What a journey, keep going!
