Olivia Wemyss

I'm taking part in the Great North Run 2026 as part of #TeamStroke💜

Hiii, This September I will be running the Great North Run to fundraise for Stroke Association UK. I hold this charity so close to my heart as my beautiful Auntie Lisa, sadly passed away in 2021 due to a stroke. 

Aged only 48, Lisa was suddenly rushed into hospital with an Intracerebral Haemorrhage (ICH) She put up the biggest fight in the ICU, however unfortunately the fight was too big for her and, as a family, we said goodbye to Lisa on the 28th September 2021. Our lives were instantly changed forever and we truly felt the impact of a stroke and how unexpected it can be.

Everyday in the UK, another 240 people wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke. 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.

With the work of this incredible organisation, vital scientific research is being conducted to help prevent these numbers and varied support is being provided on a wide scale, ranging from helplines to supporting stroke survivors with their rehabilitation. 

My auntie Lisa will forever hold such a strong place in my heart, I am eternally grateful for the memories I got to make with her. The pain we felt from this loss was indescribable, however, thousands of people in the UK do survive strokes. This is due to the help of the Stroke Association, and this is why this charity means so much to me. 

Your support will help Stroke Association continue to change lives through their scientific research funding and support to stroke survivors. If you are able to donate, it would be greatly appreciated by myself and those being supported by this charity. If you are unable to donate, I would be grateful if you could share my post to spread awareness about the work they are doing! Thank you :)