Press release - 14 February 2017 10:52

Basildon octogenerian goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Judy Burston, 80, from Basildon is taking on the Virgin London Marathon for the Stroke Association on Sunday 23 April 2017.

Judy, who was inspired to support the Stroke Association in memory of her brother, ran her first London Marathon at the age of 45. And at the age of 69, Judy joined the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race over five days.

Judy said: “I’ve done lots of races in the past 30 years, and whilst they’ve all been a challenge, the feeling you get when you cross the finish line is terrific.

“Having reached 80 years old, I’m upping the training now in preparation for the Virgin London marathon. I’m hoping for a finishing time of around 5 hours 15 minutes.

“My daughter Nick deferred her place from last year, so that we could run together. I’m lucky to have so much support from my family, friends and running club.

“The memory of my brother, as well as the knowledge that I’m raising funds for other families affected by stroke, is what will get me over the finish line.”

Emma Evans, Events Manager at Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke it is vital that we have people like Judy to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re thrilled Judy is taking on the Virgin London Marathon; she’s a real inspiration. We’re looking forward to cheering her on as she makes their way through London.”

To sponsor Judy, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/JudyBurston

For more information please contact Daisy Dighton on daisy.dighton@stroke.org.uk or 0207 940 1358

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

Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications angela.macleod@stroke.org.uk 0131 555 7244

Laura Thomas

Press contact Communications Officer Wales Laura.Thomas@stroke.org.uk 07776508594

Ken Scott

Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands ken.scott@stroke.org.uk 0115 778 8429

Daisy Dighton

Press contact Press Officer London and East of England daisy.dighton@stroke.org.uk 02079401358

Martin Oxley

Press contact Press Officer South of England martin.oxley@stroke.org.uk 07776 508 646

Vicki Hall

Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services vicki.hall@stroke.org.uk 0161 742 7478

Scott Weddell

Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland scott.weddell@stroke.org.uk 02075661528

Katie Padfield

Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising katie.padfield@stroke.org.uk

Out of hours contact

Press contact Media queries press@stroke.org.uk 0207 566 1528

Kate Asselman

Press contact Artist Liaison Lead kate.asselman@stroke.org.uk 07540 518022

Tell us your story

Press contact stories@stroke.org.uk 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.