​Flintshire woman raises more than £700 for the Stroke Association, inspired by her family

Jessica Bremner, 26, from Flintshire, has raised £720 for the Stroke Association, by taking on a gruelling half marathon in the Falklands with her RAF colleagues.

Jessica, an RAF Police Dog Handler, is usually based at RAF Odiham in Basingstoke, but this year was stationed in the Falklands for six months, when her sister Robyn had a series of mini-strokes in September.

Jessica said: “My sister Robyn had been experiencing severe headaches for some time and was taken into hospital with swelling on the brain, when doctors told her she had in fact had several mini strokes. She has now had surgery and is on medication, and fortunately is doing really well now.

“Because I couldn’t come home and was 8,000 miles away at the time, I wanted to do something to make something positive to show my support and help other stroke survivors get the support they need. My grandmother Sylvia Robinson had a stroke in 2011, and sadly another fatal stroke I 2017, so the run was also in her memory.”

Jessica was joined by her friends and work colleagues, Jasmine Dixon and Cara Kursey, who ran alongside her. Her colleague James Prior even ran the last five miles of the route wearing a full protection bite training suit.

Jessica adds: “We didn’t train for the half marathon as it was so last minute. There were 70mph winds that day and the track we ran was uphill, so it was very difficult. We were also joined by one of our dogs Molly, who ran the first few and last couple of miles with us too. I’m so grateful to the team for running with me and to everyone who has donated.”

Helen Latham, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re thrilled that Jessica and her half marathon team mates took on this challenge. All their wonderful efforts in raising vital funds will enable us to reach out to even more stroke survivors and helped to rebuild more lives.”

To sponsor Jessica, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jessica-bremner

Remember the signs of stroke and Act FAST – Face, Arms, Speech, it’s Time to call 999. For more information about stroke, ring the Stroke Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.