Doncaster woman joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Caroline Peart, 43, from Doncaster, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in her first ever Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Sunday 1 March at Sandall Beat Wood.

Caroline was inspired to sign up after her husband, Graeme, had a stroke in 2013 and was given 48 hours to live by treating doctors. Against all the odds, Graeme survived but is now confined to a wheelchair and has limited hearing and sight.

Graeme was 48 at the time of his stroke and worked as an account manager. One Sunday in 2013, Graeme began shouting to Caroline that he couldn’t move and collapsed on the sofa. Paramedics arrived and after attending hospital, doctor’s confirmed Graeme had had a brain stem stroke. Caroline was advised to bring the family to the hospital as it was unlikely that Graeme would survive the next 48 hours.

Remarkably, he did survive but has since been left with severe paralysis while his condition has gradually worsened since his stroke.

Caroline, who has since had to start working part time to care for Graeme and their two boys, said: “Graeme was fine one minute – happy and healthy and then overnight everything just changed and it feels like we lost him. He had a highly stressful job and had frequent headaches. I remember telling him many times, ‘you have to look after yourself more’ but he just went with it.

“The reality is he won’t be getting any better and he’s actually got progressively worse since his stroke. It’s still very much a grieving process for us as a family.”

Caroline fulfilled a life-time ambition in 2018 by completing the London Marathon. This year she will be running in the Resolution Run in Doncaster with her 14 year old son, Eden, although she’s found it difficult to fit any training in.

Caroline added: “It’s so hard to train for something like this - working and caring for Graeme and the kids takes up most of my time. I’ve ran in the marathon and I used to be part of a running club before Graeme’s stroke so I think I’ll be fine with 5k plus we’re doing it for a condition that’s so close to our hearts as a family. That will keep me motivated.”

Joanne Burr, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association said: “Stroke recovery is a marathon not a sprint. And each recovery is as individual as each survivor like Graeme’s. That’s why we’re encouraging people to join our Resolution Run in Doncaster and raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

“Life after stroke is different for us all, but there is one way we can stand together. The Resolution Run is the perfect opportunity to mark a milestone in your own stroke recovery, show your support for a friend or family member affected by stroke, or in memory of a loved one. You can run, walk or cheer and choose your distance to suit you. It’s more than a run, it’s a resolution to help rebuild lives after stroke.”

There are 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK living with devastating wide-ranging disabilities such as speech difficulties, memory loss and mental health issues. The Stroke Association provides specialist support, funds critical research and campaigns to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

Entry fee is just £15 and runners can choose their distance from a range of distances depending on location. Walk or run, all participants will receive a medal waiting at the finish line. To join the resolution, visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.

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For more information, please contact Ken Scott on 0115 7788429 or email ken.scott@stroke.org.uk