​Newcastle runners join the resolution to raise £12,000 for the Stroke Association

More than 220 people from across the North East ran, jogged, walked and cheered on Sunday 23 February, and are set to raise more than £12,000 for the Stroke Association at the charity’s Resolution Run.

A sea of purple fundraisers took to Exhibition Park to complete a 1k, 5k, 10k or 15k course, to help rebuild lives after stroke. The event was one of 34 events held across the UK this spring, to raise vital funds to help the Stroke Association provide specialist support and fund critical research.

The event was officially started by Harrison Eke from Hexham, who had a stroke at just six years old. Harrison opened the event and counted everyone down, before joining his mother Marie to take part in the race.

Marie said: “Harrison did so well, I felt quite emotional. I really am so proud of Harrison and all of the stroke survivors who took part.”

Kyle Marleau, 31 from Newcastle, was inspired to sign up after he survived a life-changing stroke in 2017. He said: “Even in the cold and rain, the race was fantastic and I really felt in my groove. I was so proud to join the resolution and run the Resolution Run as a stroke survivor.”

Jess Parkin, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what can do. Stroke recovery is a marathon not a sprint, and 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.

“By taking part in our Resolution Run in Newcastle, each runner has helped us to support stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who took part.

“Everyone fell silent when Harrison and his mother Marie shared his story and there was a huge round of applause for him after. It was wet and windy, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. With DJ Dave on the PA system and our volunteers cheering them along, everyone had a big smile on their face.

“We’re also very grateful to Pure Gym for leading the warm up for our runners, Coffee 2 Go providing hot drinks for our volunteers, and Tesco Gateshead and Kingston Park for donating refreshments for runners and volunteers.”

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.

For more information about the Resolution Run series, visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.