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

Thomas Wainwright, 67, from Uttoxeter is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 29 April, just weeks after surviving a stroke.

A grandfather of six, Thomas was at home in January when he lost the peripheral vision in his right eye and the feeling in his right arm.

Thomas said: “When my wife Susan came into check on me, I tried to talk but my speech wasn’t making sense. I knew what I wanted to say, but the words just wouldn’t come out.”

Susan, who also had a stroke three years ago, recognised the signs and immediately called an ambulance, which took Thomas to Royal Stoke University Hospital. Her swift action may have contributed to Thomas regaining movement in his body in less than 24 hours with no lasting effects. Almost two thirds of stroke survivors are left with a disability.

Thomas is now preparing to take on the Stroke Association’s 10km Resolution Run at Trentham Gardens, on Sunday 29 April alongside his daughter, Sally, to raise vital funds for the charity.

Thomas added: “My wife Susan had a stroke herself three years ago and also received excellent care at Royal Stoke Hospital. We’re both so fortunate to have made excellent recoveries, so when I heard about the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run I wanted to raise vital funds to support others who have been affected by stroke. I’m a keen runner and usually run three or four times a week, but running 10km will be a challenge. My daughter Sally is also running and our family will be there on the day cheering us on every step of the way!”

Claire Pell, 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 Thomas is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering him and his daughter on alongside our other runners as they make their way through the park.”

There are over 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK. 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 Run will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the West Midlands.

Entry to the Resolution Run 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.