Dereham resident tackles marathon for charity after partner has eight mini-strokes

Press release -

Dereham resident tackles marathon for charity after partner has eight mini-strokes

Becky Hardy, 38, from Dereham is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon for the Stroke Association on Sunday 22 April 2018 after her partner, Peter, survived eight mini strokes last August.

The symptoms of mini-strokes (also known as a transient ischaemic attack, or TIA), last less than 24 hours, but can still adversely affect people’s lives and are a warning sign for possible major stroke.

Becky said: “When I walked through the door I just knew something wasn’t right. Peter was slurring his words, his mouth had dropped on one side, and when he walked towards me it looked like he was falling to one side. I quickly got help and Peter was admitted to hospital.

“When we found out that Peter had had eight mini-strokes we were completely shocked, he had no idea. Thankfully he’s made a really good recovery. Since the strokes, Peter has quit smoking and regularly exercises, it’s great to have him join me on my training runs!

“Training is going well. I actually really enjoy running, I find it therapeutic at times. I know I’ll feel really proud when I get to the finish line at the marathon.”

Emma Evans at the Stroke Association, said: “Mini-stroke is often referred to as a ‘warning stroke,’ a sign that people should seek emergency medical treatment to prevent a full stroke. Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time and they turn lives upside down. It’s the fourth biggest killer in the in the UK and a leading cause of disability.

“We’re thrilled Becky is taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and we’re looking forward to cheering her on as she makes her way through London. Around 1.2 million people in the UK are living with the devastating impact of stroke. With the support of people like Becky we can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Becky, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/becky186

Topics

  • 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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK