Herne Hill resident tackles Resolution Run for stroke

Herne Hill resident and first time runner Ella Mathew is raring to go as she makes her final preparations to take on the Resolution Run in Hyde Park, for the Stroke Association.

Ella, 30, is taking on the 3.1 mile challenge on Sunday 21 September, just 6 days before her wedding, after she had a stroke when she was only 8 years old. After her stroke, Ella struggled to read, write, walk and even talk.

Ella said: “A few weeks prior to my stroke I had very painful headaches, but my parents and I never thought it was anything more than migraines. On the day of my stroke I was swimming in my local pool with friends and my older brother, when I suddenly fainted. The whole experience from there was very frightening. My stroke had such a huge impact on my life, and being only eight years old, this was especially scary. Things I was doing as an active eight year old before my stroke, like going to school, playing with friends, and swimming, had stopped. It was a huge shock for me, but I was determined to not let it limit what I could do. Thankfully, the Stroke Association works closely with children who have had strokes, and so I hope to not only raise the awareness of childhood stroke, but raise funds so they can carry on their brilliant work.”

Childhood stroke affects around five out of every 100,000 children a year in the UK.  Anna Panton, Child Stroke Project Manager at the Stroke Association said: “Many people think strokes only happen to older people, so a stroke in a baby or child can come as a big shock. Around 400 childhood strokes occur in the UK each year – that’s more than one a day. The Child Stroke Project is being run in collaboration with Evelina London Children's Hospital, and funded by ICAP Charity Day. We can provide information, advice and support for children, young people and families affected by stroke in childhood.”

Ella hoped to raise £300 for the Stroke Association, which she’s now hit. Ella adds: “I’m really happy with how my fundraising has been going. I have a really supportive family, who are helping me to take on this challenge. I’ve recently been running at the gym which has been great preparation for the run. A positive attitude is so important - I’d even go as far to say I’m looking forward to it!”

Ruth Dunkin, regional fundraising manager at Stroke Association, said: “There are around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s one every three and a half minutes. We’re a charity that relies on people like Ella to raise funds so we can be there for families affected by stroke. We’ll be cheering Ella on as she kicks off in Hyde Park, and wish her all the best in her wedding which is just six days after the run!”

To sponsor Ella visit https://www.justgiving.com/Ella-Mathew/

There's still time to join Ella at the start line. To take part in our Resolution Run, please visit: http://www.stroke.org.uk/event/resolution-run-510km-hyde-park-london