Joanne Pownall

I'm taking part in the Chicago Marathon 2025 as part of #TeamStroke

In April 2025, I ran the London Marathon and I absolutely loved it. It was an unforgettable experience, and we raised over £2,000 for the Stroke Association. I'm so thankful to everyone who donated!

But I’m not stopping there.

Running in memory of my mum and father-in-law means so much to me, so I’ve signed up for the Chicago Marathon this October. This next run is all part of my ongoing journey, supporting the Stroke Association and continuing to heal.

Our Story

My mum Linda passed away in 2020 at the age of 59, following a devastating stroke during the height of the pandemic. She had no underlying medical conditions and was fit and healthy, so her sudden loss left an unimaginable void in our lives. Just five months later, my father-in-law, David, tragically died after having suffered a stroke while on holiday in New Orleans three years prior. Like my mum, Dave had no prior health issues, yet both their strokes changed our lives forever.

Linda and Dave were the matriarchs of our families, and losing them both has been life-altering. Stroke is the 4th biggest killer in the UK and can often cause devastating, irreversible, life-changing consequences. My mum was left paralysed and ‘locked in,’ with only the ability to blink.

This marathon journey is about so much more than running. It’s a tribute to the memories of my mum and Dave, and a way to honour the strength and resilience of those who face the challenges of stroke-related illness. After the trauma of losing both my mum and Dave, I continue to live with PTSD and severe anxiety. Running has become a lifeline for me—both a personal challenge and a form of healing. It's my way of raising awareness about the far-reaching impact of stroke and supporting vital research and prevention.

About Linda

My mum, Linda, was a free spirit with a heart full of creativity and love. A true spiritual hippy from Birmingham, she had a strong connection to nature and a passion for the arts. She studied art at Coventry University, and her talent as an artist was matched only by her love of books, working as a librarian at Birmingham City University. My mum's joy for life extended to the outdoors—she loved walking, tending to her allotment, and gardening, finding peace in nurturing plants and spending time in nature. She also had an great love for animals and always had her dog Holly by her side.

Mum often shared stories of her younger days, including her unforgettable experiences at Knebworth, where she saw Led Zeppelin in 1979 and hung out with their roadies, embodying the same free-spirited energy that defined her life.

My mum didn't have an easy upbringing and was brought up by her Grandmother until the age of 3 when she was adopted. Growing up in poverty in Birmingham in the 1960s meant that she had to break away to better her life chances.

So many people loved her, and her vast circle of friends was a testament to the kindness, warmth, and genuine love she gave to others. Her friends were like family to her, and her deep connections to both her friends and family shaped the incredible, vibrant person she was.

About David

Dave, my father-in-law, was a warm-hearted and talented chef. He was famous for his legendary curries, which were a hit at every family gathering! He also worked at a youth offender prison for years, teaching young offenders how to cook and giving them a shot at learning some real-life skills.

Family meant everything to Dave, and he was always there with love, support, and a big smile. Alongside my mother-in-law, he ran pubs for years, and they had so much fun doing it—creating fun, lively spaces where everyone felt at home. In the 1980s, Dave worked as a miner in Coventry, working tirelessly every day to support his family.

Dave also had a canal boat that he loved. He spent ages renovating it all by himself, pouring so much of his energy into making it perfect. He was just such a kind, generous person, always ready to help anyone who needed it, and his warmth and laughter made him unforgettable.