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Purley resident goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Press release -

Purley resident goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Jason Grimshaw, 50 from Purley is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon for the Stroke Association on Sunday 22 April 2018.

Jason was inspired to take on the marathon after his sister-in-law had a stroke in February last year.

Jason said: “Watching someone very close to you suddenly lose their independence is heart breaking. My sister-in-law lost the ability to walk and do basic tasks we all take for granted within an instant. Stroke is so cruel, it can really turn someone’s life upside down.

“I’m so inspired by her sheer courage and determination to get better. I’m thankful to say she’s recovering very well.

“I’ve never done anything like this before. It has been tough pounding the streets over the winter months but I have had lots of encouragement from experienced runners and all the people who have sponsored me, which has really helped me keep motivated.

“I keep coming back to the fact that a few achy joints is nothing compared to what many stroke survivors have to go through, and I am sure that thought will help keep me going when the going gets tough on the big day."

Emma Evans, Events Officer at the Stroke Association, said: “Around 1.2 million people in the UK are living with the devastating impact of stroke. We’re thrilled Jason is taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and we’re looking forward to cheering him on as he makes his way through London.

“A stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it turns lives upside down. With the support of people like Jason we can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Jason, please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JasonGrimshaw

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
  • 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 0207 566 1548
    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 Taylor

    Katie Taylor

    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
    City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK