Chelmsford stroke survivor goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Press release -

Chelmsford stroke survivor goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Brian Hope, 46, from Chelmsford, is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon for the Stroke Association on Sunday 22 April 2018.

Brian, a father one, had a stroke in 2007 whilst getting ready for work.

Brian said: “It was the strangest sensation. I knew something wasn’t right, but couldn’t work out what it was. I started to lose my balance and then once I managed to pick up my phone to call my sister, I released my speech was starting to slur. Thankfully my sister was close by, so she quickly came to my house and called 999.”

Brian’s stroke was caused by a trapdoor-like flap in his heart (known as a patent foramen ovale or PFO), that can cause blood clotsthat lead to stroke.

Brian added: “My recovery took around six weeks, and I’m truly thankful for the support from everyone around me. I count myself very lucky. Three years ago I became a dad, and now everything I do is for my son. I want to show him that no matter what knocks you down in life, you can come back stronger. I’m now fitter than I ever was before my stroke and the marathon has helped keep me focused. After my stroke I found the love of my life, my wife, who is my absolute rock. Even when things go wrong, there’s always light is always at the end of the tunnel.

“I feel it is time to give something back and help raise money and awareness for the Stroke Association. I hope the money raised will help other stroke survivors make the best recovery possible like I did.”

Emma Evans, Events Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Around 1.2 million people in the UK are living with the devastating impact of stroke. We’re thrilled Brian is taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and we’re looking forward to cheering him on as he makes his way through London.

“A stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it turns lives upside down. With the support of people like Brian we can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Brian, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brian-hope

Topics

  • A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. 
  • Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK