Press release - 27 September 2017 13:52

Sutton Coldfield stroke nurse tackles marathon for the Stroke Association

A Good Hope Hospital stroke nurse and mother-of-three will take on the Birmingham International Marathon on Sunday 15 October 2017 to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Laura Cameron, 34, from Birmingham, has worked as an adult nurse on the stroke ward for 11 years, which gave her the inspiration to take on the challenge to support the charity.

Laura said: “I see first-hand the devastating impact a stroke has on patients and their families, and it always leaves an impression on me. I always try and make sure the care I give makes a difference to people’s lives, and can’t think of a better charity to raise funds for than the Stroke Association. I feel so passionate about stroke, so I felt this would give me the determination and strength to conquer a marathon.”

Laura began running 16 months ago, and this will be her first ever marathon. The inaugural 26.2 mile event will start at Alexander Stadium and take in a number of the city’s most iconic landmarks, before finishing in the city centre.

Laura added: “I originally took up running to get fit and help to lose the baby weight I had gained. I could run for around a minute before I had to walk to catch my breath, but as tough as it was, I wanted to continue and improve. I signed up for the Birmingham International Marathon to give me something to focus on. I’ve now lost three stone in weight and feel so much more confident, it’s been an amazing journey. With two young children and an 18 year old, and working three night shifts a week, it is tricky to juggle my training with everything else but I’m determined!”

Abi Floyd, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 100,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every five minutes - it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We’re incredibly grateful to Laura for taking on this challenge. The money will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, as well as their families and carers.”

To sponsor Laura, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/l-cameron1

For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.

Topics

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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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