Local hospital heroes to take on a Resolution to Run for the Stroke Association

A stroke recovery team from Northampton General Hospital, are taking on a Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association on 10 March 2019 at Braunstone Park in Leicester.

The Stroke Rehabilitation Team have signed up as they see first-hand the effects of stroke every day, both in the community and at the hospital.

The team is made up of physiotherapists, occupational and speech and language therapists, rehabilitation specialists and nurses, who work in both acute and long term community care. Together, they are heavily involved in rehabilitation for stroke survivors and work to help them rebuild their lives following a stroke.

Tony De Gregorio, 28, a Stroke Physiotherapist, who put the team of runners together, said: “We are so proud to be running in the Resolution Run for the stroke survivors we meet every day. We all know how devastating a stroke can be, no matter what type of stroke it is - we see the effects every day. Our team work so hard to help stroke survivors and we appreciate first-hand how important the services of the Stroke Association are”

“Originally it was my idea to take part in the race. I then mentioned it to one of my colleagues and it just snowballed - now there’s 27 of us taking part! The team covers all different ages and abilities and we’ve been training hard on our own and as a team too. It’s been great for fitness and team building and we’re hoping to raise £2000 for the Stroke Association.”

Sara Betsworth, Head of Stroke Support 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 the area who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2019.

“In the UK there are around 100,000 strokes every year. Our latest research ⁽ⁱ⁾ shows that by training and taking part in a Resolution Run, you are helping to lower your stroke risk. The funds raised by each runner means we can reach out to more stroke survivors and their families to offer the support that they may need to rebuild their lives. On behalf of the thousands of stroke survivors and their loved ones that we support every year, I just want to say thank you to Tony and the team.”

Research from the charity shows that many strokes could be prevented if people made some simple lifestyle changes. Introducing physical activity into your routine is just one aspect of a healthier lifestyle required to reduce your risk of stroke. Monitoring (and managing) your blood pressure, eating a more balanced diet and stopping smoking can all significantly reduce your stroke risk. The money raised through the Resolution Run events will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the region.

Last year participants raised over £633,000 for the Stroke Association This year the charity hopes to raise over £850,000 to continue supporting stroke survivors and their families throughout the UK.

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 www.resolutionrun.org.ukemail resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.

You can also donate to the team’s fundraising target by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stroke-team-nhs

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For more information, please contact: Ken Scott, PR Officer (Central) on 01157788429 or ken.scott@stroke.org.uk