Press release -
South Gloucestershire granddad takes on the Great South Run for the Stroke Association
A 70-year-old stroke survivor is preparing to take on the Morrison’s Great South Run on Sunday 25 October, exactly three years after having a devastating stroke.
Grandfather of four, Arthur Threlfall-Searson, from Wickwar, had a stroke on 25 October 2012. On the day of his stroke, Arthur began to feel unwell, and whilst his wife went to their neighbour’s house for help, he collapsed to floor. When his wife returned home she noticed Arthur was on the floor unable to move or speak, and dialled 999 immediately.
Arthur was taken to Frenchay Hospital where it was confirmed that he had had a stroke. Whilst recovering, Arthur took part in some stroke research by St George's University. The Vertebral Ischaemic Stent Trial meant that Arthur had a stent placed in his vertebral artery to assist his recovery.
Arthur, a former Army Warrant Officer, said: “The Great South Run will be really poignant for me, three years to the day of my stroke. If you were to ask me three years ago if I would take on a marathon, I would have said ‘no way.’ But, as far as running is concerned, I actually feel fitter now, than when I left the army 30 years ago.
“Running has been a vital part in my recovery. After my stroke I could only just about walk, I was very unsteady and needed a stick to begin with. With a lot of determination, I built up the distance of my walks, and then the pace. Taking on the run means that I can give something back to the Stroke Association, a charity that has been there throughout my road to recovery. It’s also a big “thank you” to my local running club, the Wickwar Wunners, who have encouraged me along the way.
“My training has been going very well. I have tried to get training in three mornings each week, and I have even braved the rain and wind! My target is to run the run in under two hours, but I am hoping to get that down to one hour 45 minutes on the day.”
Lauren Butcher, fundraiser 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 Arthur 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 join Arthur on the day, please contact our fundraising team for a limited gold bond place please email: gsr@stroke.org.uk or call 02380 720 431
To sponsor Arthur, visit www.justgiving.com/Arthur-Threlfall-Searson.
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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
