Essex stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Press release -

Essex stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

A young stroke survivor from Dunmow, Essex, is marking a milestone in her recovery by taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run to raise vital funds for the charity.

Vicki Hewlett, 21, had a devastating stroke in July 2015. Vicki’s stroke was caused by a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a trapdoor-like flap in her heart that can cause blood clots, which lead to strokes. The stroke left Vicki with left-sided weakness, and as a result she had to give up her job as a horse riding instructor. Fortunately Vicki is now making a good recovery and has regained movement in the left-side of her body.

Vicki is now planning to take on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run with her mum Diane, after she was supported by the charity during her recovery.

Vicki said: “After I was discharged from hospital I didn’t know what to do. The Stroke Association’s helpline was a life saver. It was so reassuring to know that there was somebody at the other end of the phone who understood what I was going through and who was there for me and my family whenever we needed. That’s why I want to raise funds for the Stroke Association to help other people recovering from a stroke to get the support they need.”

Tam Marshall, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people like our Resolution Runners to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re thrilled Vicki is taking part; she has made an incredible recovery.

“At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control and exercising more. The money raised will help the charity fund vital research, support people affected and prevent stroke.”

To sponsor Vicki, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Vicki-Hewlett. Entry fee is just £15. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.

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 07776 508 646
    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 Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    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 0207 566 1528
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

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    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
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK