Press release -
Kent stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association
A 29-year-old stroke survivor from Petts Wood is marking a milestone in her recovery by taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run to raise vital funds for the charity.
Nichola Cook had a stroke in 2014, caused by a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a trapdoor-like flap in her heart that can cause blood clots, which lead to strokes. At just 26, Nichola was left with right-sided weakness and fatigue as a result of her stroke. Fortunately Nichola is now making a good recovery and has regained movement in the right-side of her body.
Nichola said: “When I was told I had had a stroke I was terrified. I couldn’t believe it, I was only 26 years old. I was fit and healthy – exercised regularly, didn’t smoke and had no problems with my blood pressure.
“I didn’t know what to do with myself and simple day-to-day tasks like making a cup of tea, became some of the hardest challenges. I remember trying to write in hospital one day and struggling to hold the pen and make sense of what I was writing. I felt as though I was in a strange bubble the whole time.
“I wanted to take on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run because I’m keen to raise awareness that a stroke can happen at any time to anyone, regardless of their age. I also want to raise funds for the Stroke Association to help other people recovering from a stroke to get the support they need.”
Becky Beard, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association in the South East, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke it is vital that we have people like our Resolution Runners to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re thrilled Nichola is taking part; she is a real inspiration. We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she makes 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 and exercising more. The money raised will help the charity fund vital research, support people affected and prevent stroke.”
To sponsor Nichola, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Nikki-Cook1
You can sign up to our Resolution Run in Mote Park. The run takes place on Sunday 30 April at 10:30am.
Entry fee is just £15 and all runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.
For more information please contact Daisy Dighton on daisy.dighton@stroke.org.uk or 0207 940 1358
Notes to editors:
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