​Hale stroke survivor joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Nick Leslie, from Hale, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in the Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Sunday 08 March at Heaton Park.

A Sustainability Manager for the BBC, 44 year old Nick was inspired to sign up after surviving a stroke five years ago, after playing in a charity football match.

Nick said: “I played in a charity football match between the BBC and the House of Commons, alongside some ex-international players from Match of the Day. During the game I didn’t know I’d torn an artery in my brain stem, so following the match I had an incredibly bad headache. The next day it got worse and I lost the ability to swallow or stand-up. It took a while to figure out what was happening.

“After my stroke I couldn't walk, swallow and I lost my eyesight. One of my vocal cords was also paralysed which raised my voice an octave which would have been amusing had I not been in such dire straits. Fortunately for me my other vocal cord compensated and my voice lowered fairly soon after being admitted to hospital.

“After four months of rehab most of the important bits came back, although to this day I still can’t feel pain or temperature down my right hand side. It took a few months of gruelling therapy to get me back on my feet, but by staying positive and having help and support I managed it. All in all I think I was very lucky.”

Nick is now taking on the 10km Resolution Run at Heaton Park, adding: “I'm hoping this next brush with charitable actions doesn't end similarly. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine getting fit with doing something worthwhile and raising funds for the Stroke Association. I also have a couple of good mates, David and Andrew running the 10k with me for support.

“The Stroke Association was a great source of support for my family when I had my stroke and I thought it was about time I gave something back. What better way than using this exercise to get fit and raise some money to help others rebuild their lives after stroke?”

Liv Simpson, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke recovery is a marathon not a sprint. And each recovery is as individual as each survivor. That’s why we’re encouraging people to join our Resolution Run in Manchester and raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

“Life after stroke is different for us all, but there is one way we can stand together. The Resolution Run is the perfect opportunity to mark a milestone in your own stroke recovery, show your support for a friend or family member affected by stroke, or in memory of a loved one. You can run, walk or cheer and choose your distance to suit you. It’s more than a run, it’s a resolution to help rebuild lives after stroke.”

There are 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK living with devastating wide-ranging disabilities such as speech difficulties, memory loss and mental health issues. The Stroke Association provides specialist support, funds critical research and campaigns to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

To sponsor Nick, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nick-leslie-resolution-run-manchester-2020

Entry fee is just £15 and runners can choose their distance from a range of distances depending on location. Walk or run, all participants will receive a medal waiting at the finish line. To join the resolution, visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.