Stuart Russell

My Story – Why I’m Running (Yes… Running) the Great North Run 2026 for #TeamStroke

Earlier this year, my sister – fit, healthy, in her 50s, and with absolutely no intention of slowing down – had a stroke. It came out of nowhere. She was rushed to hospital unable to speak or lift her arm, and our family was thrown into a world we never expected to enter.

Thanks to the incredible doctors and nurses (actual superheroes, capes not included), she spent over two weeks in hospital getting the care she urgently needed. The road to recovery has been long, tough, emotional, and at times a little bit sweary… but with pure determination, she is now well on her way back to herself. In fact, she’s talking just as much as she did before the stroke — so if nothing else, that alone proves miracles do happen.

Watching her fight back inspired me to do something meaningful to support others going through the same journey. And what better way to do that than signing up for something I would never normally volunteer for?

So yes… I’m taking on the Great North Run 2026.
For those who know me: please stop laughing.

Running is not my natural habitat, but I’m lacing up my trainers to help raise vital funds for the Stroke Association — because no one should have to face life after stroke without the support they provide.

Why Your Support Matters

There are over 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, and 100,000 strokes happen every year — that’s one every five minutes.

The Stroke Association ensures survivors and their families receive the tailored, consistent help they need on what can be a very long road to recovery. They also fund essential research into treatment, rehabilitation and prevention.

They rely on people like us — and yes, even reluctant runners like me — to keep this life-changing work going.

How You Can Help

If you can spare anything at all, please donate. Your support will make such a difference to stroke survivors and their families… and it will also motivate me to keep moving during the 13.1 miles when my legs will almost certainly be questioning all of my life choices.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, and cheering me on.
Let’s do this for my sister, for #TeamStroke, and for everyone affected by stroke. 💜💪