Press release - 9 July 2018 09:03

Cambridge runner goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

A researcher from Cambridge will take on the Simplyhealth Great East Run on Sunday 16 September 2018, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Abbi McGlennon, 24, was inspired to sign up to the run after her grandmother had a stroke last year.

Abbi said: “I couldn’t believe that my active and independent Grandma had had a stroke. My Grandma spent two and a half months in hospital recovering, and was left completely paralysed on her right side and had difficulties with her speech. She now lives at home needing 24 hour care.

“I realised that with the sudden turn of events my normal stress outlet of running had stopped. It was then that I decided I needed a goal, a new motivation, as well as being there for my Grandma. I saw the Stroke Association’s running events online, and found the perfect one to get me back into running.

“When I told my Grandma I was going to be running a half marathon she thought I was completely bonkers, but seeing the smile on her face at the same time was so worth it! Training has been going well, I’m reaching my goals and feeling confident.

“The Stroke Association were there my family when we were at a real low. The Stroke Association supported my family whilst my Grandma was in hospital and helped us with all the questions we had. It’s now my time to give back to them, and I can’t be more excited about the challenge that lays ahead!”

Louise Everett, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital that we have people like Abbi to help raise funds. We’re incredibly grateful to her for supporting the Stroke Association at the Simplyhealth Great East Run.

“The money raised will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke and their families and carers, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke. We look forward to cheering her on as she speeds through Ipswich.”

It’s not too late to sponsor Abbi, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/abbimcglennon

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