Rebecca Lewton

My story

I’m taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon on 4th October for The Stroke Association, in memory of my beautiful mam, Kerry-Anne, who sadly passed away on 25th October 2024.

On 10th October 2024, my mam suffered a stroke. She spent the following 15 days in hospital and received the care, medication and surgery she needed, but sadly, despite everything that was done for her, she passed away on 25th October.

Those 15 days were some of the most difficult and heartbreaking days our family has ever experienced. But being by my mams side through that time made me realise just how suddenly a stroke can change someone’s life, and how much it affects not only the person who has suffered the stroke, but everyone around them. It made me see the importance of having the right care, information and support available to people and families during such an incredibly difficult time. 

I want to raise money to help other people and families affected by stroke access the support they need, while also raising awareness of just how common strokes are. There are over 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK and around 100,000 strokes happen every year — that’s one stroke every five minutes.

It’s so important to recognise the signs of a stroke and get medical help as quickly as possible.

This challenge feels particularly special because my mam loved running and had actually completed the Cardiff Half Marathon herself.

A place became available recently, just a couple of days before my mam’s birthday, and with the race taking place on 4th October — just six days before the anniversary of her stroke — it felt like the right thing to do.

Although I have little time to train, I’m determined to do it for my mam, make her proud and raise money and awareness for a cause that became so important to our family.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will mean so much to me and will help The Stroke Association continue supporting people and families affected by stroke.