Michael Beard

I'm taking part in the TCS London Marathon as part of #TeamStroke

I am going to be running the London Marathon for Stroke Association in loving memory of my grandfather, Mick. In November 2003 my dear grandad suffered a stroke. He was an active, healthy man - a farmer, family man, loving husband and an amazing dad and grandad. This happened when I was just 14, although the charity didn’t directly affect me I know they had a huge help on my grandmother who was obviously deeply affected by such events. 

My grandad’s stroke left him without speech or the ability to walk - it turned family life right around. This was when Stroke Association became a vital part to helping my nan get care and support that both she and my grandad so desperately needed. 

Stroke Association helped support my nan in getting access to speech therapy which was delivered through art - we still have a piece of his work my grandad created on display in our family home today. It was also through the charity which my nan was directed to a local group, the East Kent Stroke Charity, which she took an active role with, becoming involved as chair of the group for a while.

Sadly, five years after his stroke, my grandad died. Having spent the time between in a wheelchair and never regaining his speech. 

Being able to run in the event next year, and hopefully raise over £2,500 would mean a tremendous amount to not only myself but my family too. So please be as generous as you can. Any donation will be greatly appreciated and will go towards an  incredible cause. 

I joined #TeamStroke for the TCS London 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.