​Whiteley father and daughter take on the Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Stroke survivor Stephen Doherty, 67, from Whiteley, has made a New Year’s resolution to take part in his first ever charity Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association.

Stephen had a stroke in August 2016. Stephen said: “At the time of my stroke I was living in Lancashire with my wife Jean. I started feeling very unwell with dizziness and sickness. I was taken into hospital by ambulance two days later and was told I’d had a stroke.

“I couldn’t believe I’d had a stroke, and many others can’t either. Thankfully I’m making a good recovery and continue to keep active and fit. Now two and half years later I am regularly taking part in my local Whiteley 5K Parkrun. I enjoy going at my own pace and over time I have significantly reduced the time it has taken to complete the course from 53 minutes to 38 minutes. I have just completed my 50th run since starting in September 2017."

Stephen will be taking part in the 5K route at the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 17 February 2019 at Royal Victoria Country Park.

Stephen continued: “My daughter Catherine originally signed up to the Stroke Association’s 10K Resolution Run in Royal Victoria Country Park alone. I decided to join her as I thought it would be a nice way to mark a milestone in my recovery and to say thank you to all the wonderful people who work with stroke survivors and their loved ones. I know I’ll feel really proud being there on the day and will enjoy taking part with Catherine.”

Tammy Angus, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association said: “A Resolution Run is exactly that – a resolution for the New Year that counts. It's the ideal event for people in Southampton who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2019.

“In the UK there are around 100,000 strokes every year. Our latest research (i) shows that by training and taking part in a Resolution Run, you are helping to lower your stroke risk. The funds raised by each runner means we can reach out to more stroke survivors and their families to offer the support that they may need to rebuild their lives. On behalf of the thousands of stroke survivors and their loved ones that we support every year, I just want to say thank you.”

Research from the charity shows that many strokes could be prevented if people made some simple lifestyle changes. Introducing physical activity into your routine is just one aspect of a healthier lifestyle required to reduce your risk of stroke. Monitoring (and managing) your blood pressure, eating a more balanced diet and stopping smoking can all significantly reduce your stroke risk. The money raised through the Resolution Run in Southampton will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the South.

Last year participants raised over £633,000 for the Stroke Association This year the charity hopes to raise over £850,000 to continue supporting stroke survivors and their families throughout the UK.

Entry fee is just £16. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.