​Ellesmere Port resident takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association in mum’s memory

Stephen Keam, 55, from Ellesmere Port is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run this Mother’s Day, just three weeks after losing his mother Ann to a stroke.

Stephen said: “I got a phone call from my sister to tell me something wasn’t right with mum and she was hallucinating. When we got to her house she was leaning to the left, so we rang the ambulance service who went through the FAST test for stroke signs with us. Mum couldn’t raise her left arm and her mouth was dropping, so the ambulance took her straight to Whiston Hospital. Sadly, she had a seizure two days later.”

Ann passed away on Friday 16 February, aged 75. Stephen is now preparing to take on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run at Delamere Forest on Mother’s Day, Sunday 11 March, to raise vital funds for the charity in her memory.

Stephen said: “I saw the leaflet for the Resolution Run on the stroke ward at Whiston Hospital. When I realised it was being held on Mother’s Day I knew I had to take part for my mum and signed up straight away. I’m sure others in the family will also join me. We want to raise funds for the Stroke Association to help other people affected by stroke to get the support they need. I haven’t done a run like this for a few years so it will be a challenge, but I know my mum will be there with me in spirit, spurring me on.”

Jane Pinder, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “A Resolution Run is exactly that – a resolution for the New Year that counts. It's the ideal event for people who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2018.

“Every five minutes in the UK, someone’s life is turned upside down by stroke. By signing up to a Resolution Run, each runner will help us do so much more to support people who have been affected by this devastating condition. We’re so touched that Stephen is taking part in memory of his mum. We’ll be cheering him on every step of the way as he makes his way through the park.”

The FAST test helps people recognise the most common symptoms of a stroke and the right action to take:

FACE: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

ARMS: Can the person raise both arms?

SPEECH: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

TIME to call 999

There are over 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK. At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control, eating healthily and taking regular exercise. The money raised through the Resolution Runs will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the North West.

Entry to the Resolution Run is just £16. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit http://www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.