Press release -
Stroke survivor goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association
A Heage stroke survivor has completed the Simplyhealth Great North Run on Sunday 10 September to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and mark six months since his stroke.
David Litchfield, 48, is a manager for a plant and tool hire company, and has just returned to work after a stroke in March this year.
David said: “I woke up and somehow didn’t feel right, but I managed to drive to work. When I tried to log onto my computer or write, I couldn’t figure out what to do. I tried to explain this to my colleague but could only say ‘I can’t remember’.”
David was sent home, where he was visited by paramedics who didn’t recognise he was having a stroke. After being set to Royal Derby Hospital, he was given a CT scan and eventually diagnosed as having had a stroke by the stroke consultant.
David said: “My stroke didn’t leave me with any physical problems but my speech and memory were both affected. Now I get confused with things like times and dates and I want to raise awareness of the hidden effects of stroke. People who meet me don’t see how my stroke has affected me mentally; they just don’t realise what’s going on inside your head.”
A keen runner for over 18 years, David signed up for the Great North Run to mark six months since his stroke and raise awareness of stroke.
He added: “This was the 19th Great North Run I’ve ever done! Fortunately my stroke didn't affect my ability to run, so l signed up in aid of the Stroke Association. I really wanted to give something back following the support they have given me throughout my recovery. When I came out of hospital, I was back running with my club in days, although I do get more tired. I’ve raised around £250 so far and I was so pleased with my finish time. I managed to complete the run in one hour 42 minutes and it was a really enjoyable day.”
Dave Shearer, Events Officer at the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital that we have people like David to help raise funds. We’re incredibly grateful to him for supporting the Stroke Association at the Great North Run. “The money raised will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke and their families and carers, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.”
It’s not too late to sponsor David, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dave-litchfield .