Press release -
Halesowen stroke survivor tackles Great Birmingham Run for the Stroke Association
A stroke survivor from Halesowen will take on the Great Birmingham Run on Sunday 18 October 2015, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
Mother of two, Amanda Jones, 39, had a mini-stroke (also known as a TIA or transient ischaemic attack) in December 2010, while celebrating her nephew’s birthday. Every year, around 46,000 people in the UK have a mini-stroke for the first time. The symptoms are the same as stroke, but last for a short time and people appear to return to normal.
Amanda suddenly felt dizzy and burst into tears, and could only say yes or no. After being sent to Russells Hall Hospital, she was put onto the Acute Stroke Ward and diagnosed as having had a mini-stroke, caused by a by a hole in her heart.
Amanda said: “Before my mini-stroke I was very outgoing and bubbly, but my confidence took a massive knock. I became very subdued and felt very vulnerable. I had lost my sparkle for a time, but now four years on with lots of support from my family and friends, I feel I have now got my sparkle back.
“I’ve chosen to run for the Stroke Association as when I was in hospital, my husband was given a charity support pack, which was so useful in understanding what was happening. When I was discharged from hospital I also went onto the Stroke Association website to get advice, which helped me feel like I was not alone.”
Amanda will now take on the half marathon course which takes in some of the city's most iconic sights including the Bullring, the Cadbury World in Bournville and Edgbaston cricket ground.
Amanda continued: “I started training last November and over time have built up my distance with lots of encouragement from my running buddies. I ran the Birmingham 10km in May and it went really well, so I decided to take on the Birmingham Half Marathon as my next challenge. This will be a massive achievement for me, as four years ago I couldn’t have even contemplated being able to raise funds and awareness for a cause so close to my heart.”
Sophie James, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We’re incredibly grateful to Amanda for taking on this challenge; the money will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, as well as their families and carers.”
To sponsor Amanda, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Amanda-Jones32
For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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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 around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. 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
