​Brighouse stroke survivor and new mother takes on Resolution Run

A 21-year-old stroke survivor from Brighouse is marking a milestone in her recovery by taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 05 March at Temple Newsam Park, Leeds.

Chloe Tobin had a stroke in May 2016, while she was 37 weeks pregnant. Chloe was at home with her dad when she found she couldn’t speak and her arm felt heavy. By the time she got to A&E, she couldn’t walk. An MRI scan showed she’d had a stroke, caused by a blood clot on her brain stem. Her speech was affected, and she had no movement in her left arm and leg.

After being discharged home, Chloe then went on to have a mini-stroke. Hospital staff advised her to have a caesarean, and she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, now eight months old.

Chloe said: “At first I couldn’t even hold my baby because of the weakness in my arm, so my mum would place him on my chest and position him on me so he could feed. I moved back to my mum and dad’s house, and had physiotherapy and speech and language therapy for six months. Now I still have weakness in my left side and when I get tired, I lose my speech and the use of my arm, but I’m improving.”

Chloe is now planning to take on the Stroke Association’s 10km Resolution Run alongside her family, who have been there for her every step of the way throughout her recovery.

Chloe added: “I’ve never done anything like this before but when I saw a sign advertising the run, I knew I wanted to sign up. I’ll be walking with my baby boy, as well as my mum and dad. It might take me hours but I’m determined to cross the finish line! I’m keen to raise awareness that a stroke can happen at any time to anyone regardless of their age and circumstance. I also want to raise funds for the Stroke Association to help other people recovering from a stroke to get the support they need.”

Joanne Burr, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke it is vital that we have people like our Resolution Runners to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re thrilled Chloe is taking part; she is a real inspiration. 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 and exercising more. The money raised will help the charity fund vital research, support people affected and prevent stroke.”

Entry fee is just £15 and runners can choose the 5km, 10km or 15km course. 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.