Laura Nightingale

In September, I’ll be taking part in the Great North Run for the Stroke Association — something I feel excited about, but also very nervous.

In March last year, my family lost our favourite person, my Grandad, to a stroke. It was completely unexpected. The day before his initial stroke, he was doing one of the things he loved most — mowing the lawn — with absolutely no signs or warnings of what was to come. One moment life felt completely normal, and the next everything changed.

During one of the hardest times our family has ever faced, the kindness, care, and compassion shown by everyone from the healthcare assistants, nurses, Stroke specialist nurses and stroke consultants meant more to us than we can ever put into words. They treated my Grandad with dignity and supported our family with such humanity, and I will always be grateful for that.

I’m running the Great North Run in memory of my Grandad, and to raise funds for the Stroke Association. This run is my way of honouring him, and of supporting the incredible work the charity does for stroke survivors and their families. Every mile I run will be for him, and every donation — no matter how small — will help ensure others receive the care, support, and compassion we were shown.

Thank you so much for reading my story and for supporting me on this journey.