Press release -
Ormskirk stroke survivor tackles Resolution Run for charity
A young stroke survivor from Ormskirk is tackling the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 15 March at Delamere Forest, Cheshire, just eight months into his recovery.
Michael Brown, 55, had a stroke in July 2014, when he was working from home in his role for HSBC. He noticed his speech was slurred but didn’t think anything of it until he spoke to his wife Cathy, who rushed home and did the FAST test before dialling 999.
Michael spent seven days in Southport General Hospital before returning home to begin his road to recovery. The stroke left him with weakness in the left side of his face and body, as well as affecting his speech and confidence. After support from local community teams, Michael is making a good recovery and has recently returned to work on a phased return.
Now, Michael and Cathy are preparing to walk the 5km route at Delamere Forest to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association, and Michael will also officially start the race for the hundreds of participants expected on the day.
He said: “The Stroke Association reached out to me after my stroke and the website and forums were a great source of comfort to my wife. I know the Stroke Association is always there for me and that’s why I was so keen to take part in the Resolution Run, to help to raise money for others affected by stroke.
“Between myself, Cathy, matched funding from my employer HSBC and support from Ormskirk Clocktower Rotary Club, of which we’re both members, we’ve raised around £1,700 so far. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support.”
Laura McMullin, 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 Michael and Cathy are taking part and helping us to start the race. We’re looking forward to cheering them 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.
Entry fee is £15 on the day. For more information about entering or volunteering, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution,email resolution@stroke.org.ukor call 0161 742 7485. All runners receive a free t-shirt and medal. Running vests are also available for just £2.50 more.
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
