Nakhita Kaur Khera

I'm taking part in the Brighton Marathon 2027 as part of #TeamStroke💜

I’m running the Brighton Marathon 2027 as part of #TeamStroke, raising money for the Stroke Association.

This charity is incredibly close to my heart because my grandma suffered a life-changing stroke, and I have seen first-hand how much a stroke can change someone’s life.

What started as a normal day quickly became something our family will never forget. While we were travelling, we realised something was not right and an ambulance was called. At the time, it was not immediately clear that she was experiencing a stroke, and we were left with uncertainty about what was happening. My grandma knew that something was wrong, but it took time before she received the diagnosis and support she needed.

When we finally found out she had suffered a stroke, the impact was devastating. She lost movement on one side of her body and had to relearn things that many of us take for granted — walking, eating, showering and driving. Since then, she has faced many challenges, including ongoing health issues and changes to sensation in her leg, which affect her everyday life.

One of the hardest things to understand is that someone can look completely fine on the outside, but still be fighting battles that people cannot see. Simple things like walking, going shopping or completing everyday tasks can become difficult, and the emotional impact of losing independence can be just as challenging as the physical effects.

I’m also running because I want to raise awareness of how important it is to recognise strokes quickly. Before my grandma’s stroke, we knew the usual signs people talk about, but her symptoms did not look like what we expected. She did not have the obvious signs we had always heard about, and as a family we did not immediately realise what was happening.

A stroke can happen in different ways, and recognising the signs quickly can make such a difference. More awareness, research and support can help people receive the treatment they need sooner and help families understand what comes next.

Every day in the UK, another 240 people wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke. With strength, determination and the right support, recovery is possible.

By taking on this challenge with Team Stroke, I’ll be fundraising to provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, fund vital scientific research, and campaign to secure the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke.

I’m running these 26.2 miles for my grandma, for every stroke survivor rebuilding their life, and for every family who has supported someone through their recovery.

Every donation helps someone find strength through support at a time they need it most. Thank you so much for being part of this journey with me.