Ex-Northampton Town star joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Ex-Northampton Town Goalkeeper, Mark Bunn, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke and wants you to sign up for the Resolution Run event at Brixworth Country Park on Sunday 8 March.

Mark, who spent seven years at the club and made 90 appearances before spells in League One and the Premier League, has been inspired to support the Stroke Association after his Mum died following a stroke over ten years ago.

Suzy Bunn, who was just 50 at the time, had no risk factors or warning signs when she suddenly had a stroke while at Church. After attending hospital, doctors said they would have to operate on Mark’s mum, to reduce the swelling on her brain but tragically Suzy had a heart attack and passed away following the surgery.

Mark said: “I was playing for the Cobblers at the time when my Dad got in touch to say Mum had collapsed while she was at Church. – She had complained of a headache in the day, nothing else, so we had no idea what was going on, it was very scary. I went to see her in hospital and she just had no idea who I was.

“It happened so quickly. She became violently sick and within two days doctors said they needed to operate to relieve the pressure on her brain - we didn’t honestly know what was going to happen. During the surgery she had a heart attack and we had to make a decision as a family to turn her life support off –it was such a hard time for all of us”

Mark, who is now a Goalkeeping Coach at Cambridge United, now wants everyone to support the Stroke Association in the upcoming Resolution Run events.

Mark Said: “I’m all too aware that stroke really does strike in an instant and you never think it will happen to you or your family. That’s why it’s so important to support the Stroke Association and taking part in a Resolution Run is a great way to get involved”

Lucy Burnip, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association said: “Stroke recovery is a marathon not a sprint. And each recovery is as individual as each stroke survivor. That’s why we’re encouraging people to join our Resolution Run in Northampton 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