I'm taking part in the Chicago Marathon 2026 as part of #TeamStroke
I joined #TeamStroke for the Chicago Marathon 2026.
There are over 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, with 100,000 strokes happening in the UK each year. That's one stroke every five minutes.
We're here to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke, so we work with the stroke community to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support. We rely on your support to provide vital services, campaign for better stroke care and fund research into preventative and rehabilitative treatments.
My Achievements
Fundraising page set up
Added a profile pic
Made a donation
Shared your page
Reached 50% of target
Reached fundraising target
Why I’m running the Chicago Marathon
Monday 8th JunI experienced second-hand the effects of a stroke in 2022. Just a typical morning, or so I thought. I woke up, sure I heard Mitch shouting for me, and there he was lying, unable to move or speak on the living room floor. Mitch is a joker, and my first response was, “Stop kidding around and get up.” Then I realised this shit was real.
I called an ambulance, then his sister and husband, who live round the corner from us. We got Mitch to the hospital, and he was treated fast. He made such a great recovery and is doing great to this day.
Then on Christmas Day 2024 my mum took a massive stroke. It came as a shock as we had just been visiting my dad at the hospital.
I knew straight away as Mum had been eating chocolate, and it was dribbling down her mouth.
Again, we got my mum to the hospital quickly. Mum’s recovery took longer than Mitch’s. I thought I was knowledgeable about a stroke, but what did I know? My mum was in hospital for several weeks, unable to talk or walk. Her diagnosis was that 24-hour care would be required.
My dad and she ended up in hospital beside each other. The stroke ward at FVRH was fantastic.
My mum worked so hard on her recovery and spent a couple of months at the Bellfield centre in Stirling, which is truly an amazing place.
I’m raising money for the stroke organisation as they work tirelessly to help when people are in what can feel like a hopeless situation and then give you hope.
My mum has four carers a day but can live independently and has a good quality of life. Yes, life has changed, but it could have been so different.
With all the help from stroke nurses and doctors, my mum turned this around.
She struggles with speech but is healthy, looks fab, can walk, and enjoys a laugh.
We’re still visiting my dad, who is now in a nursing home, and my mum’s still trying to fuss after him. How lucky I am.
This is why I’m running the Chicago Marathon for stroke.org.
The stroke ward at FVRH, the Bellfield centre in Stirling and all the follow up stroke care teams in Falkirk were there for my family when we needed it most.
Thank you
Lynn
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Training begins
Sunday 15th Mar Running a half marathon next Sunday in Paisley. Not prepared but I’ve got a week left and 2 friends, Laura and Craig who constantly encourage me. ShareThank you to my sponsors
£54.75
Joan Young
£54.75
Susan & Bryan Xxx
Chicago calling. Lynn keeps climbing. Courage, commitment & compassion — that’s our Lynn!
£53.32
Kevin O'dowda
Good luck. Remember just keep putting one foot in front of the other! You have got this
£53.32
Susan Morgan
Best of luck Lynn x
£50
Olivia Mccartney
So proud of you Lynn! Amazing Charity close to your heart. X
£50
Callum Mccartney
Good luck Lynn! We’re so proud of you and know you’ll absolutely smash it 😊 x
£50
Derek Mitchell
Good Luck, you’ll smash it. Chicago here we come.
£50
Rubi
£50
Danielle Black
£43.60
Grant Fallon
Smash it!!
£30
Elaine Lewis
Best of Luck Lynn! You will smash it. Proud of you 🥰 Elaine, Nathan, Rory and Zac. X
£30
Ryan O'donnell
You’ll smash it LOD! Great charity 👏 x
£29.50
Lynn O'dowda
£28
Ton Mcfadden
£27.05
Niamh Marsh
Good luck Lynn. You'll smash it. Love Niamh Sam and lochlan x
£20
Mark The Tiler
You are amazing Lynn. What a girl. X
You can do it Lynn good luck xx