I'm taking part in the TCS London Marathon 2027 with #TeamStroke
Hi, I’m Oliver, and in 2027, I’ll be taking on the TCS London Marathon with #TeamStroke to raise money for the Stroke Association.
My decision to run for #TeamStroke is deeply personal. Throughout my life, some of the people closest to me have experienced the devastating effects of a stroke. Having seen firsthand how dramatically a stroke can change someone’s life, I wanted to take on a challenge that would allow me to make a difference and support a charity doing incredible work for those affected.
Every day, another 240 people wake up to the life-changing impact of a stroke. Behind every one of those statistics is a person, a family and a story. For me, one of those stories is that of my best friend, Ryan.
Ryan’s story
On 19 April 2022, at just 22 years old, Ryan suffered a major spinal stroke, alongside two minor strokes in his brain. At the time, he had just completed his officer training in the Royal Navy and was one of the fittest people I knew. Nobody could have anticipated what was about to happen, and the sudden onset of his strokes turned his life upside down.
The initial prognosis was incredibly serious. Doctors believed Ryan would never be able to live without the support of a ventilator. What followed was the beginning of an incredibly difficult journey, one that would test him in ways none of us could have imagined.
In those early months, even learning to breathe independently again was an enormous challenge, particularly given how unlikely this had initially seemed. Despite sustaining a C4 spinal injury, Ryan approached his recovery with extraordinary determination, facing each new obstacle with the same charm, humour and wit that have always been such a big part of who he is.
Over the months and years that followed, Ryan worked tirelessly through his recovery and physiotherapy, pushing himself both physically and mentally. Against the odds, he has regained some use of his limbs, achieving progress that once seemed unimaginable.
Although Ryan has made remarkable progress given the severity of his injuries, he remains wheelchair-bound and continues to face significant challenges in his day-to-day life. The impact of his strokes is something he has lived with every day since they happened, and something he will continue to navigate for the rest of his life.
Throughout everything, Ryan has continued to face his circumstances head-on. His journey has had its highs and lows, but he has remained an inspiration to everyone around him. Despite everything he has been through, he is still the same Ryan we know and love: taking each day as it comes, finding the positives where he can, and making the best of every situation.
Seeing what Ryan has endured, and the determination he has shown throughout his recovery, has had a profound impact on me. Running a marathon is incomparable to the challenges he has faced. However, his experience has given me a very personal reason to push myself, take on a challenge outside my comfort zone and raise money for a cause that means so much to me.
Why the Stroke Association matters to me
Ryan’s story is not the only reason this cause is so close to my heart. Earlier in my life, both of my grandads, Geoff and Mick, also suffered strokes. The long term impacts this had on them both mentally and physically, as well as the emotional toll this took on my family, will always be something I remember. Combined with Ryan’s experience, these moments have shown me just how suddenly life can change, and how far-reaching the effects of a stroke can be, not only for the person affected but also for their family and friends.
These personal experiences are why I wanted to support the Stroke Association. By running the London Marathon, I hope to help raise funds for a charity that supports people affected by strokes and helps them navigate the challenges that can follow.
Taking on the challenge
On a slightly different note, I’m not much of a runner at all. I’ve been training for the past seven weeks and will continue to build up my training in the lead-up to marathon day. Taking on 26.2 miles will undoubtedly be one of the biggest physical challenges I’ve faced, and there will no doubt be some difficult moments along the way.
But whenever training gets tough, I’ll have a very personal reason to keep going. This challenge is about more than crossing the finish line. It’s about Ryan, my grandads, and all the people and families whose lives have been changed by a stroke.
If taking on this challenge helps raise awareness, contributes towards the Stroke Association’s work and makes a difference to even a small number of people affected by strokes, then every mile will be worth it.
Any support, whether through a donation or by sharing my story, would mean a huge amount to me. Every donation will help support the incredible work of the Stroke Association and the people whose lives have been affected by stroke.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me on this journey. It really does mean a lot.
My Achievements
Fundraising page set up
Added a profile pic
Made a donation
Shared your page
Hit first milestone
Hit second milestone
Reached 50% of target
Hit final milestone
Reached fundraising target
So proud of you!!