Norwich mother takes on milestone run for the Stroke Association

Press release -

Norwich mother takes on milestone run for the Stroke Association

A Norwich nursery teacher is taking on her 100th Park Run in Eaton Park on Saturday 4 November to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Lou Boyce, 47, was inspired to take on the challenge after her husband, Richard, had a stroke in June this year. The stroke left Richard with paralysis down the left-hand side of his body.

Louise said: “On the night of Richard’s stroke, he was alone with our four children and I was out with my friends. Our children could sense something wasn’t right with him, and the next morning I just knew something was wrong, so I called an ambulance. He’d had a stroke.

“Our lives have been completely turned upside down. Thankfully, we have the most incredible and supportive family and friends around us. We don’t know what we’d do without their support.

“Running is my escapism, I’ve always loved to run but since life has got that little bit more challenging, I rely on running as therapy. On Saturday I’ll be joined by family and friends as I take on my 100th Park Run. The kids are joining me, and Richard is going to cheer me on. I know that it’s going to be really emotional, but I’m determined to get to the finish line where Richard will be waiting for me.

“Stroke is a devastating condition, it comes in an instant and changes everything. I want to support the Stroke Association so other families like mine can get the right help and support. I’m so passionate to raise awareness to others about stroke, and to support the Stroke Association with the incredible work they do.”

George Burroughs, Community Events and Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, 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 Lou to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. The money raised will fund vital research and support for stroke survivors, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.”

To sponsor Louise, please visit: www.justgiving.com/lou-boyce

Topics

  • 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 0207 566 1528
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK