Press release -
Local runner’s Resolution Run for Stroke Association
Juliet Finlay, 49, from Upminster has made a New Year’s resolution to take part in her first ever charity Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association at Clapham Common on Sunday 10 March 2019.
Juliet was inspired to take part in the 10K run after her mother, Barbara, had a stroke last October.
Juliet said: “Within an instant, our lives changed forever the day my mum had a stroke. I couldn’t believe it had happened to her, it was such a shock for the whole family. Stroke is such a cruel condition, it took my mum’s independence in the blink of an eye. 12 weeks on and my mum is being cared for in a nursing home as she was left unable to walk, move the right side of her body and battles feeling tired a lot of the time. She also has issues with swallowing and needs all her food to be pureed.
“I wanted to support the Stroke Association as I know they do some incredible work with stroke survivors and their loved ones. I wanted to do something to not only raise vital funds for stroke survivors, but to raise awareness to others. Stroke often comes without warning, and can happen to anyone at any time – it’s so unfair.
“Training is going well, I’m also taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon the month after the Resolution Run. I am running for Children with Cancer but since my mum’s stroke, I decided to also run for the Stroke Association. The thought of my mum will be what gets me through both runs, I know how proud we both will be when I hit the finish line!”
Rebecca Broad, 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 London 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 London will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in London.”
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 Juliet, please visit: www.justgiving.com/julietmarathonand10k
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.ukemail resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.