Mila Staines

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

I joined #TeamStroke for the Great North Run 2025.

I am excited to participate in the upcoming half marathon to support the Stroke Association, an organisation dedicated to helping those affected by strokes and raising awareness about prevention and recovery. My motivation for taking part in this event stems from a personal connection to the cause. I have seen firsthand the impact that strokes can have on individuals and their families, and I want to contribute to the vital work the Stroke Association does in providing support, education, and resources.

I want to share a bit about a family friend who has been profoundly affected by a stroke. His name is Simon, and he experienced a stroke at the beginning of this year during a coma as a result of a cardiac arrest.

Since the stroke, Simon has faced numerous challenges. Simple tasks that we often take for granted have become difficult for him to carry out. However, I’ve been inspired by his strength and determination to recover. With the support of his family and the resources provided by organisations like the Stroke Association, he has been able to make significant progress in his rehabilitation.

Seeing the impact of the stroke on Simon has motivated me to get involved and raise awareness about stroke prevention and recovery. I believe that by sharing his story, we can help others understand the importance of support and resources for those affected by strokes.

By running this half marathon, I hope to raise funds that will help the Stroke Association continue its mission of improving the lives of stroke survivors including my closest family friend Simon and his family. Every donation will go towards critical services such as rehabilitation programs, information resources, and community support initiatives. Together, we can make a difference and help ensure that fewer people are affected by strokes in the future.

I appreciate your support in this endeavour, whether through donations or by cheering me on during the race. Thank you for helping me to help others!

Mila 

There are over 1.3 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.