Press release -
Basingstoke stroke survivor joins over 500 runners to help conquer stroke
Basingstoke resident and stroke
survivor Bex Jennings, 23, took on the Hyde Park Resolution Run on Sunday 22
September to raise
vital funds for the Stroke Association.
Bex was inspired to take on the Resolution Run after she had a devastating stroke aged 22. In October 2013, on the way out for dinner with her boyfriend, Bex struggled to hold her boyfriend's hand. Not realising there was anything wrong; Bex continued with her evening and noticed that she began to slur her speech. When a painful headache kicked in, Bex began to get worried and called 101 from the restaurant for advice. Bex was told that it was most probably the alcohol she had had with dinner, and not to worry.
Bex said: “When I had my stroke, I was terrified. My grandma has also had a stroke, so my parents who were with my grandma at the time of her stroke, realised I needed help fast. I wanted to run for the Stroke Association as I now know how important it is that people recognise the symptoms of stroke and react quickly. At 22 I thought I was too young to be having a stroke, so dismissed the very important signs. I want to urge all young people to be aware of stroke.”
“Running the Hyde Park Resolution Run was a big challenge, but I was determined to do it. The atmosphere on the day was brilliant, it was fantastic to see everyone come together to help conquer stroke. The Stroke Association supports survivors and their families, and I want to make sure they can continue their vital work.”
Charlotte Wahlich, Regional Fundraiser for Stroke Association, said: “There are around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s one every three and a half minutes. We’re a charity that relies on people like Bex to raise funds so we can be there for families affected by stroke. The Hyde Park Resolution Run seen stroke survivors, volunteers, carers and supporters all come together to help conquer stroke. On the day, we especially enjoyed the moment when we cheered Bex and her team on as they made it to the finish line.”
If you would like to sponsor Bex you can go to: www.justgiving.com/account/your-pages/bextonestephlauren
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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
