Jessica Henderson

I'm taking part in the Great North Run 2025 as part of #TeamStroke

In the UK, roughly every 5 minutes someone has a stroke. Naively, you never think it’s going to impact you - until it does! In November of last year my amazing dad was taken into hospital, unresponsive, where we were late told that after months of being unwell, he had suffered multiple strokes that had gone undetected. Our lives literally changed overnight - in every single way imaginable. 

Luckily, my dad survived and I am SO proud of the strength and resilience he has shown throughout his recovery. My dad has always been my biggest inspiration, but how he has managed to keep going through all he has faced I will always be in awe of. I will also forever be grateful to the consultants and team at Sunderland Royal Hospital who saved my dad and set him up for the best recovery possible. A huge thank you to you all! 

The last few months have been the most challenging of our lives, and the path ahead still seems like an uphill climb but I’m thankful we are in it together. 

Those immediate days and weeks while my dad was in hospital were the most lonely, scary and isolating I’ve ever experienced. Without the help and support of key organisations such as the Stroke Association (to name just one), I’d have been lost - not knowing where to start. 

Running the Great North Run for me is a massive challenge, something I wouldn’t have ever considered doing, however I aim to use all I have learned over the last few months to power me through and be able to turn something so devastating into a positive impact for all those who are affected by strokes across the UK. 

The reason I chose the Stroke Association is due to the amazing support they offer Stroke Survivors (and anyone directly or indirectly impacted by strokes). There were moments towards the end of last year that I really thought I had lost my dad which was the scariest part. I don’t know what I’d do without my dad, and I hope that by being able to raise money for the Stroke Association, this is a thought or fear no other family member will ever have to face. 

Thank you to everyone who has offered support throughout the last several months, we’re both so grateful for your kindness and strength in getting us through - especially to our amazing friends and support system (you know who you are). Every kind donation will help me in reaching my goal and is immensely appreciated! ❤️