​Croydon resident tackles Authentic Greek Marathon for stroke

Croydon resident George Thanasoulias took on the Authentic Greek Marathon on Sunday 9 November with his friend Jordan Charlesworth in aid of the Stroke Association, after both their Grandfathers had devastating strokes.

George, 29, from Croydon sadly lost his Grandfather three years ago after a serve stroke. George said, “My granddad’s stroke had a huge impact on him and my family. I wanted to raise money for the Stroke Association so they can be there for more survivors like my Grandfather, and their families.”

Jordan, 19, from Southwark also took part in the marathon after his Grandfather had a stroke 3 years ago. Jordon’s Grandfather’s stroke left him with left side weakness and he now resides in a nursing home.

Jordan adds, “I want to run for the Stroke Association as I know the impact a stroke can have on someone’s life. My Grandfathers stroke affected him and my whole family. I feel it’s so important that people recognise the symptoms and react quickly.

“Running the marathon is the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on, but I was so determined to do it. The Stroke Association supports survivors and their families, and I want to make sure they can continue their vital work.”

The pair ran over 42 kilometres from Marathonas to Athens. The marathon also includes a 10km and a 5km Road Race in the city centre. More than 30,000 runners from 100 countries were expected to participate.

George adds, “With Marathonas being where the Marathon originated from, we wanted to make our first marathon, the original! After very little training, mainly around our local park, and in cold British weather, it really did hit us running in 22°C heat up and down the very hilly course for just over 5 hours.”

Jordan adds, “After about the 4 hour mark, the only things keeping us going were the banana's handed out to runners and the numbing spray offered by medics to stop the cramps! All in all, I think we were both extremely pleased just to finish it in one piece and raise the amount of money we did for Stroke Association.”

Ruth Dunkin regional fundraising manager at Stroke Association, said: “There are around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s one every three and a half minutes. We’re a charity that relies on people like Jordan and George to raise funds so we can be there for families affected by stroke. We’ll be cheering them both on in their upcoming fundraising events they have planned!”

For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.