Nottinghamshire stroke survivor to go the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Claire Haywood, 27, from Mansfield is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon for the Stroke Association on Sunday 28 April 2019, exactly 10 years to the day since she left hospital following her stroke.

Claire, who had her stroke when she was just 17, had to spend two weeks in hospital due to the right sided weakness and seizures caused by her stroke. In running her first marathon and raising money for the Stroke Association, Claire is now hoping to raise more awareness that stroke can happen to anyone, no matter what age they are.

Claire said: “One weekend, in my sixth form Easter holidays, I began to suffer from crippling headaches and severe sickness. I was unable to eat or drink and after a couple of days woke up unable to use my right arm and leg. My mum called the ambulance who suspected a severe migraine. After being taken to A&E I was eventually admitted. That evening I began to suffer seizures and was transferred to another hospital where an MRI scan confirmed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, leading to a two week stay in hospital”

Running the marathon will be especially emotional for Claire, as it will be exactly ten years to the day since she was discharged from hospital.

“This is my first ever marathon and it’s fallen on exactly ten years since I was discharged following my stroke – it’s extremely poignant for me.”

Since her stroke, Claire has gone on to finish her A Levels, graduate university and now works as an Acute Stroke Response Nurse at her local stoke unit. She now wants to help raise more awareness that stroke is a medical emergency and people should call 999 immediately if someone is showing signs of a stroke, regardless of their age.

Claire said: “My jobs means a lot to me as I assess people who present with symptoms suggestive of stroke like I did. I am passionate about the ongoing work of the Stroke Association and increasing the recognition of stroke in younger people”

Sara Betsworth, Head of Stroke Support at the Stroke Association, said: “There are around 100,000 strokes every year in the UK and 1.2 million people in the UK are living with the devastating impact of stroke. We’re so grateful to Claire for taking on this famous challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and we’ll be cheering her on all the way to the finish line.”

“A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, even younger people and it turns lives upside down. However, with the support of people like Clairewe can help more stroke survivors and their families as they look to rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Claire, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/claire-haywood519

If you are available on Sunday 28 April and would like to join the #TeamStroke cheer squad, please email: londonmarathon@stroke.org.uk.

There are two cheer points located at:

• Canada Square – Canary Wharf
• Tower Bridge Road

Any amount of time you can spare on the day to support and motivate the amazing runners, would be greatly appreciated.

Ends

For more information, please contact: Ken Scott on 0115 7788429 or ken.scott@stroke.org.uk