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​Uttoxeter stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Press release -

​Uttoxeter stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Michelle Richardson, 44, from Uttoxter, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 25 February, to mark a milestone in her recovery from a life-changing stroke.

Michelle, a mother of two, felt unwell one morning at work, and her vision started to blur. A thunderclap headache brought her to her knees and she cried out in pain for her colleagues to help.

Michelle said: “I was in a lot of pain. My colleagues gave me painkillers but I felt dizzy, nauseous and really confused, and I was so sensitive to light. I didn’t know what was going on, but I knew it wasn’t good.”

After being sent to Stoke Hospital in an ambulance, Michelle was diagnosed as having a rare type of stroke: a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which was caused by an erupted aneurysm. She need an operation and was taken to theatre the next day.

Michelle said: “The procedure went well and when I woke I was chatting with family, however during the night I took a turn for the worse. I didn’t know what was happening but I was terrified. When I woke, I was paralysed down my right hand side and was on the high dependency unit. I couldn’t move or talk.”

After spending around five weeks in hospital, Michelle was transferred home and began the long road to recovery. Her stroke had left her with limited movement in her right side, aphasia, memory problems and fatigue. However, Michelle’s physiotherapist referred her to a local gym to aid her recovery, and she didn’t look back.

Michelle added: “I used to walk to the gym and did everything that I could do safely. I absolutely loved it! After eventually being able to walk again, I knew I wanted to run but my brain just wouldn’t let me do it. I’ve never been a runner but I was determined. Eventually, after the instructors ran alongside me on the treadmill, my memory kicked in and I managed a couple of strides. I’m amazed at what my brain can achieve.

“Now I can run 15 minutes on a treadmill and I’ve signed up for the Stroke Association 5km Resolution Run in February, alongside my husband Martyn. I’m always up for a challenge. It’s been a long journey, but one that’s made me realise just how important it is to be aware of conditions like stroke. I wanted to take on the Resolution Run to raise awareness and vital funds for the Stroke Association.”

Michelle is taking on the charity’s Resolution Run at Croxteth Hall and Country Park in Liverpool on Sunday 25 February, while also volunteering at the Resolution Run in Trentham Gardens on Sunday 04 March.

Mikaela Leape, Community and Events Fundraiser 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 who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2018.

“Every five minutes in the UK, someone’s life is turned upside down by stroke. By signing up to a Resolution Run, each runner will help us do so much more to support stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives. We’re thrilled Michelle is taking part. 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, eating healthily and taking regular exercise. The money raised through the Resolution Runs will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the West Midlands.

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 http://www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.

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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 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

    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478

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    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.

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