Rachael to support the Stroke Association after tragically losing Husband who was loved in the community

Rachael Guille, 43, who lives in Pershore, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in her first ever Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Sunday 29 March at Arrow Valley Country Park in Redditch.

Rachael will be running in the event, after her husband John died suddenly from a stroke in October 2018 aged 61. John had been a GP for over 30 years and was highly respected and loved in the communities he served. In fact, as a testament to his character, over 700 people attended his funeral.

John had recently retired as a GP and was putting a shelf up at home when he began to feel unwell. After attending hospital with Racheal, doctors told John he had a blockage in his neck and gave him medication to help treat it – tragically John had actually had a TIA or “mini-stroke”.

After spending the weekend resting, Racheal became more concerned with John’s condition on the Sunday morning and phoned an ambulance. By this time the clot had reached John’s brain and doctor’s attempted to operate and remove it but the operation was unsuccessful. Tragically John passed away shortly after.

Rachael, who was married to John for ten years, said: “John had no symptoms at all and we had no warning signs before his TIA. He was quite happily putting a shelf up one minute and the next thing I know we’re in hospital.

“We had just moved to our new home and within five weeks of being there John had his stroke. John was a very experienced doctor so he knew what was going on, better than anyone. Since John died, I had to leave the house we moved into together. I couldn’t keep that level of grief up, being there was too painful.”

Rachael now wants to take part in the Resolution Run in tribute to her husband who helped so many others in the community.

Rachael said: “John was a very popular and loved man in his community. He cared so much for his patients and would always work so hard, out of hours, to make sure they received the best treatment. I think it shows how popular he was when you consider over 700 people came to his funeral.

“I was so shocked and down when he passed away but John always said exercise was a natural anti-depressant, so I want to do this run in tribute to him. It’s important to raise money but to raise awareness of stroke and what it can do is just as important.”

Claire Weaver, 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 Redditch 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.”

Rachael will be running with friend, Paul Atwood on the day while John’s son, Paul Guille, will also be running virtually from abroad in the USA. You can sponsor them here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-attwood2

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.

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

About the Stroke Association

• Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant.
• The Stroke Association is a charity working across the UK to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe that everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. From local support services and groups, to online information and support, anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100 to find out about support available locally.
• Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters. With more donations and support, we can help rebuild even more lives.
• You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.