​Award-winning Leicester stroke survivor set to start Resolution Run

A three-time stroke survivor will officially start the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run for hundreds of local runners on Sunday 19 March at Braunstone Park, Leicester.

Julie Monk, 50, from Leicester, has a medical condition which puts her at risk of increased blood clots. She was struck by her third stroke when she was just 34 years old in 2002, on the day of her son’s eighth birthday. Her daughter Kim was just 11 years old at the time. The stroke left Julie with no feeling on her left side and no speech.

Julie has since had numerous mini-strokes and she is at risk of another major stroke at any time. Julie still experiences numbness, loss of movement in her lower left arm, no feeling in her left leg and emotional difficulties. She also has chronic fatigue and her memory remains deeply affected.

Julie was housebound for six years after her third stroke, but things began to change when she discovered that the Stroke Association was opening a Voluntary Support Group her local area. Julie went along to the first meeting of the 4Ward Strokes Leicester support group and didn’t look back, taking on the role of the support group’s chairperson from day one.

Now Julie is lending her support to the Stroke Association to officially start the charity’s 5km, 10km and 15km Resolution Run, when hundreds of participants will walk, jog and run round Braunstone Park.

Julie said: “The confidence the Stroke Association has helped me gain is something that I will forever be in their debt for. All I ever want to do is support others in my situation, as I know what it feels like. I’d encourage anyone across Leicester to sign up for the Resolution Run, and raise vital funds to help those affected by stroke to get the support they need.”

Georgina Lawrence, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke it is vital that we have people like our Resolution Runners to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re thrilled Julie is joining us to start the race.

“At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control and exercising more. The money raised will help the charity fund vital research, support people affected and prevent stroke.”

Entry fee is just £15. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.