Stroke survivor takes on running challenge to raise funds for stroke charity

Press release -

Stroke survivor takes on running challenge to raise funds for stroke charity

Alan Flynn from Livingston had a stroke out of the blue two years ago.

Fortunately, Alan has made a good recovery although he still has mild mobility problems and sight problems.

He has decided to take on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run and challenge himself to a 10K - a run he is not undertaken since before he had his stroke.

Alan is also a Stroke Association ambassador so is keen to raise awareness of stroke.

Alan says:

“I am looking forward to the challenge and I’m sure that having all the support around me will motivate me to reach the finish line. I want people to be aware that strokes are more common than they think - I am sure I will not be the only stroke survivor taking part in the run. And I want to highlight all the great people who are doing so much to support and care for stroke survivors across the country - especially in West Lothian where I live.

However, I am also doing this run for my family. It is another small milestone in our lives after my stroke two years ago, when we were all so shocked by it.

The last time I ran as far as 10k was more than 10 years ago. I ran in a charity event at Hopetoun House with my daughter Alison and it was a big day for us. Then I kind of lost fitness for a while and Alison kept pestering me, reminding me of how great it had been to run together.

Then I had my stroke. That was a life-changing event for me, for my wife Audrey, and for our family. Stroke can have such a devastating effect; not just on an individual, but also on the people around them. I know I was one of the lucky ones because here I am now, only two years later, ready to run a 10k once again.

Therefore, I expect my Resolution Run might be a bit emotional for me. I will be running for those of my fellow stroke survivors who were less lucky than I was. And for all the people who care for them and make their lives as good as they can be. And for my family – I will be keeping my own personal promise to get better for them and to live well. And of course I’ll be running for myself too - because I can.”


Angela Macleod, Communications Manager at the Stroke Association said:

“Alan has dealt with his challenges admirably and is a great role model for people who have had a stroke. With around 120,000 people across Scotland living with the devastating impact of stroke, it is important that we have people like Alan at our Resolution Run helping to raise awareness and funds to conquer stroke. We are delighted to have him volunteering with us to help increase awareness of stroke and the importance of what we do and I’d like to thank him in advance for all he does to support us including taking part in our Resolution Run.”

The Stroke Association’s Edinburgh Resolution Run 2018 takes place on Sunday 4 March 2018 at Cramond Foreshore.

-Ends-

We are still looking for participants!

To sign up to Stroke Association’s Resolution Run

Visit http://www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, or email resolution@stroke.org.uk

For press enquiries contact Angie Macleod on: 0131 555 7244 or email: Angela.Macleod@stroke.org.uk

Topics

  • A stroke is a brain attack that happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. It is the leading cause of disability in the UK. In Scotland, around 15,000 people have a stroke every year and about 124,000 people live with the effects of stroke.
    The Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and we are leading a community of people to change the world for people affected by 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK