Bristol man to run 500km honouring dad's long stroke recovery journey

A Bristol man whose dad had a lifechanging stroke is taking on a 500-kilometre run across England to honour him and raise funds for the Stroke Association.

Calum Burnstone, 28, from St Werburghs, will be retracing the journey his dad Jonathan, 65, took after having his stroke whilst on holiday in the Lake District in April.

He is a keen runner and took part in an ultra-marathon along the South West Coast Path, in Cornwall, in January.

This next challenge will see him stopping off at the four hospitals where his dad was treated, before finally being well enough to return home to Marshfield, near Bath.

Calum said: “Mum and Dad had just finished the Dales Way, which is 80 miles on foot, and were staying with my brother Sam in Oxenholme in the Lake District when he fell ill. Nobody knew that walk was the start of a much longer journey which would take three months.

"Dad was rushed in for treatment at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, but his condition required specialist neurosurgery, so he was moved to the Royal Preston Hospital.

“After surgery, the days were tough. Dad spent two weeks in Preston before he was stable enough to move to the Royal United Hospital in Bath. This is where recovery really began, with regular, intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

“Next, it was Chippenham Community Hospital where the specialist stroke ward was amazing. Dad started walking again and building his strength back up, until he was ready for one last journey - home.”

Jonathan and his wife Belinda have been supported by the Stroke Association's Bath and North East Somerset stroke recovery service, as well as the NHS community neurotherapy and stroke service team.

Belinda said: "The Stroke Association has been a presence throughout Jonathan’s treatment and recovery. They have offered both emotional and practical support, advice and advocacy helping him and our family to work their way through what has been a very challenging time.

"It has been so helpful to know that you’re not alone and to read about others affected and their experiences via the charity’s online community. As his recovery progresses, he hopes soon to join some of the local groups for stroke survivors."

Calum, will set off on his run on Saturday 14 November. He has already raised more than £3,600 for the Stroke Association, which is the leading charity in the UK providing life-long support for all stroke survivors and their families.

Calum said: “This is all for Dad, for the effort he’s putting into his rehab, and for everyone who helped him get there. He still works at his recovery every day. After Dad's stroke, we saw how long the road back can be."

I’ve not done anything like this before,” said Calum. “I’ll run an average of about 55k each day. I’ll be running on my own, but I’ve got people joining me at various points to cheer me on. I’ll mostly be carrying what I need and picking stuff up along the way, staying in hotels and bed and breakfasts.

You can track Calum’s progress and donate on his fundraising page https://500kmfordad.com/

Jacqui Cuthbert, the Stroke Association’s associate director for the South West and the Channel Islands, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Calum for taking on his unique challenge. It’s a brilliant way of supporting our charity, raising awareness of stroke, and thanking the many people who have helped dad on his arduous journey.

“Over 85,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK, but surviving the brain injury caused by stroke is just the start of a long and gruelling recovery journey. Our specialist support, research, and campaigning is only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters like Calum.”

For more information about stroke and support services for survivors and carers, visit the Stroke Association website www.stroke.org.uk or call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100.