Exeter resident takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Maddie Smale, 36, from Exeter, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 25 February, following her father’s stroke three months ago.

Maddie’s father, Tony, had a devastating stroke in October 2017 at the age of 68. Tony didn't turn up for a prearrange Sunday lunch, which alerted Maddie that something was wrong.

Maddie said: “Dad had a massive stroke to the left side of his brain and we don't know how long he was at home alone before we found him. It was a blessing that we had plans to meet that Sunday.”

Tony spent 13 weeks in hospital as part of his recovery, as his stroke left him with the communication disability aphasia, and weakness down the right side of his body. He has now moved to a short term stay in a nursing home supported by a specialist stroke team, where he has intense physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.

To show her support to her father’s recovery, and to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association, Maddie will be running from her home in Exeter to Escot Park to take part in the charity’s 15km Resolution Run, on Sunday 25 February.After the race, Maddie will then run home, which is a total of 40 miles. She will be joined by nine members of Team Tony, including her partner Steve, his friend Toby, her running friends Claire and Sally, and her work friends Angela, Sarah, Emma and Liz. On the day of the Resolution Run Maddie will be running from her home in Exeter to Escot,

Maddie added: “I’ve seen first-hand the devastating affects stroke can have on families’ lives. It’s been so hard for Dad to learn to sit, to stand and walk again with support. But if my Dad can push himself to do this, then I should challenge myself alongside him to do the best that I can.

“After signing up for the Resolution Run, I thought about challenging myself further, and asked my friends if they'd like to join me. From this, Team Tony was created and apart from me, no one else has run a 5k race before. Hearing about everyone’s training highs and lows, and how proud they are of themselves reminds me of how proud my Dad looks when he does something well in his physiotherapy or speech and language therapy. Just knowing that they are willing to do this for the Stroke Association and to raise awareness of stroke is a massive personal support to me. We all want to help other families affected by stroke to also get the support they need.”

Jen Robinson Slater, 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 in Exeter 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 stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives. We’re thrilled Maddie and Team Tony are taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering them on alongside our other participants as they make their way through the park.”

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 Run in Exeter will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the South West of England.

Entry fee 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.