​Manchester stroke survivor tackles Resolution Run

A young stroke survivor from Didsbury is tackling the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 06 March at Heaton Park, just ten months into his recovery.

Will Martin, 42, took part in the Stroke Association’s 10km Resolution Run in March 2015, while training for the Great Manchester Run later in the year. At the time Will knew nothing about the health condition. However, just 11 weeks after completing the charity event, he had a stroke himself.

Will was preparing for a day at work as an acoustic consultant in a Manchester engineering company, when he collapsed. His partner called an ambulance, and he spent a night in Salford Royal Hospital. Will’s stroke had a significant cognitive and emotional impact, leaving him unable to work for five months.

Will said: “I left hospital, but I was far from recovered. My stroke changed my personality and affected me emotionally. I also found multi-tasking and problem solving very difficult.”

Now, a year after his first Resolution Run, Will is returning to Heaton Park to complete the race again, this time raising funds for the charity which has supported him throughout his recovery. Will has been supported by the Stroke Association’s Information, Advice and Support Service, taking part in a variety of projects including contributing to a creative writing book, titled What’s Your Story?

Will added: “When I took part in the run in 2015, I didn’t have a care in the world and the event had no significance to me, other than to help me train for the Great Manchester Run. This time around, completing the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run means so much more to me and I’ll be raising vital funds for the charity to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need.

“I take part in parkruns most weeks and have completed 30 in the last year, 19 since my stroke. I’m also planning to take part in the Berlin Marathon for the Stroke Association in September, so this will help me to prepare!”

Siân Thomas, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, added: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people like our Resolution Runners to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re thrilled Will is coming back to take part and marking a milestone in his recovery. We’re looking forward to cheering him on alongside our other participants as they make their way through the park.

“At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control and exercising more. The money raised will help the charity fund vital research, support people affected and prevent stroke.”

To sponsor Will, visit www.justgiving.com/William-Martin9. Entry fee is just £15. All runners receive a running top and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution or email resolution@stroke.org.uk.