​Local stroke survivor joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Kyle Marleau, 31 from Newcastle, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in the Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Sunday 23 February at Exhibition Park, Newcastle.

Kyle was inspired to sign up after he survived a life-changing stroke in 2017.

Kyle said: “It was very much a normal day. I went to the gym and was doing my regular work out when I felt really warm and dizzy. I ended up losing consciousness and woke up a month later in the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).”

Kyle was given the devastating news he’d been in a coma, after a bleed on his brain and also going into cardiac arrest. He spent a further month in the RVI before being transferred to Walkergate Park Centre, which became his home for the next five months while he underwent a gruelling rehabilitation programme.

Kyle said: “Working with a team of people I went through extreme rehab daily to learn to live with the effects of my stroke. It was so difficult to re-learn things that had previously been second nature, such as walking, talking and eating. But that time and training set me up to be at the level I’m at today. I still have lack of feeling in my right side and have to make adaptions daily but my goal was always clear; to move and live life independently.”

Now Kyle will take on the Resolution Run for the second time at Exhibition Park.

He adds: “I am proud to join the resolution and run the Resolution Run as a stroke survivor. I’ve fought the odds until now and never gave up on myself or my goals. Stroke happens fast and changes your life, but it’s how you choose to deal with it that will really shape your recovery.

“Every day I’m working to better myself and be the best I can be. I can’t thank the Stroke Association enough for their great research and support, also the staff that worked round the clock with me when I was at the RVI and Walkergate Park, as without them I would not be where I am now.”

Jess Parkin, 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 Newcastle 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.

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.