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

Chris Jolliffe, 48, from Blackburn, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 18 March, just six months after surviving a stroke.

In August 2017, Chris, a father-of-three, was enjoying a holiday on the Amalfi Coast with his wife Louise, when he woke up on the last day and found he was struggling to speak.

He said: “I knew something wasn’t right. I went to brush my teeth and the water spilled down my face. I felt really disorientated. Although I thought I might have had a stroke, I put the thought to the back of my mind and carried on. I thought I’d sleep it off and feel better in the morning.”

Chris went for breakfast and to the airport, despite feeling really unwell. After attempting to sleep it off when he arrived home, he dialled 111 in the morning and was in Royal Blackburn Hospital within half an hour, where he was told he’d had a stroke.

Chris said: “When we got home I thought it would all be gone and I’d be fine, but of course I wasn’t. I spent four days with the wonderful staff on the Stroke ward in hospital and I’ve been extremely lucky. My speech was affected for a while, but it’s now improved, and fortunately I haven’t been left with any lasting effects. Occasionally I can get a little self-conscious when I go to say a word which I know doesn’t sound quite right. I returned to work as a senior IT manager for QVC on a phased return, and I’m now back to working full time.”

Chris is preparing to take on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run at Stanley Park in Blackpool on Sunday 18 March alongside his wife Louise, to raise vital funds for the charity.

He added: “The Stroke Association’s Stroke Recovery Service was there for me after my stroke to help with information and advice, and when I saw the Resolution Run I knew I wanted to take part and give something back. Part of my recovery plan with the Stroke Association was to do regular exercise sessions in the gym with a specialist trainer. These sessions helped me realise I could push myself to achieve the 5k target. I’ve started to volunteer with the service in Blackburn, visiting other stroke survivors on the ward and at home to show there is life after stroke.

“I started doing the Couch to 5k plan after Christmas and the end of the training tied in nicely with the Resolution Run. Louise is joining me on the day and running the 10km course. Running has helped me lose well over a stone and I feel so much healthier as a result. Now I want to raise as much as I can for the Stroke Association to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need.”

Rebecca Owen, Community and Events Fundraising Manager 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 Chris is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering him on alongside our other participants as he makes his way through the park I want to raise as much as I can for the Stroke Association to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need.”

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 North West.

To sponsor Chris and Louise, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louise-jolliffe2

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