Brighton resident’s resolution to run for Stroke Association

Karen Hillier, 48, from Portslade-by-Sea has made a New Year’s resolution to take part in her first ever charity Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association at Worthing seafront on Sunday 03 March.

Karen was inspired to take part in the Resolution Run after her father, Brian, had a stroke in February 2017. The stroke left Brian with a communication difficulty called aphasia and only able to move his left arm.

Karen said: “We couldn’t believe dad had had a stroke. Within an instant it robbed him of everything; his independence, his voice, the ability to walk. To begin with dad used to squeeze our hand or blink to communicate.

“The whole time dad was in hospital it was such a scary time for us all. He sadly went on to have issues with his heart, which were seriously affecting his health. Thankfully dad pulled through, and we have his sheer determination and fight to thank for that! After three months he returned home which we were all relieved about. He’s made an incredible recovery, and we are so thankful to all the wonderful NHS staff who cared for him.

“I decided to support Stroke Association because I wanted to not only raise vital funds, but awareness of the condition. Stroke is so cruel and can happen to anyone at any time, the Stroke Association to do so much to support survivors and their loved ones on the road to recovery.

“I know the run will be tough, but the thought of my amazing dad will get be through the course. I know that as soon as I hit the finish line I’ll be so proud!”

Chloe Braidford, Regional 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 in Brighton who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2019.

“In the UK there are around 100,000 strokes every year. Our latest research ⁽ⁱ⁾ shows that by training and taking part in a Resolution Run, you are helping to lower your stroke risk. The funds raised by each runner means we can reach out to more stroke survivors and their families to offer the support that they may need to rebuild their lives. On behalf of the thousands of stroke survivors and their loved ones that we support every year, I just want to say thank you.”

Research from the charity shows that many strokes could be prevented if people made some simple lifestyle changes. Introducing physical activity into your routine is just one aspect of a healthier lifestyle required to reduce your risk of stroke. Monitoring (and managing) your blood pressure, eating a more balanced diet and stopping smoking can all significantly reduce your stroke risk. The money raised through the Resolution Run in Worthing will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the South East.

Last year participants raised over £633,000 for the Stroke Association This year the charity hopes to raise over £850,000 to continue supporting stroke survivors and their families throughout the UK.

To sponsor Karen, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/karen-hillier4

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.resolutionrun.org.uk email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.