​Garstang mother takes on Resolution Run to mark stroke anniversary

Natalie Trickett, 32 from Garstang, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 19 March at Stanley Park, Blackpool, to mark four years since a life-changing stroke.

In February 2013, Natalie was at home with her two sons when she had a ‘funny turn’. As the day went on, Natalie started to hallucinate, completely losing her eyesight. Doctors advised Natalie she was experiencing a migraine, and that she should rest before having an eye test 24 hours later.

Natalie said: “It was when I had the eye test that I was told I’d had a stroke and the optician called an ambulance. I was so shocked, I panicked and fainted. It’s all a bit of a blur. When I arrived at hospital I was initially told I had a brain tumour, until 48 hours later when an MRI scan revealed I had indeed had a stroke, caused by a clot on my brain.”

Natalie’s stroke has left her with weakness in her right side and peripheral vision, which will never fully return. Natalie was unable to return to work but is a full-time mum to her two sons, Luke, 9 and Logan, 8.

Natalie is now preparing to complete the Stroke Association’s 10km Resolution Run, alongside 300 other runners at Stanley Park. She added: “I was supported by the Stroke Association when I first had my stroke and now I want to give something back to help other stroke survivors like me get the support they need. I consider myself very lucky and have met lots of stroke survivors who haven’t been able to make such a good recovery.

“I have just started to get my fitness back and wanted to have something to aim for. I train regularly and whether I run, jog, walk, or even crawl over the finish line, I’m aiming to complete the course within an hour and 15 minutes! My dad is going to run alongside me on the day and I have lots of friends and family coming to cheer us on!”

Rebecca Owen, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke, it is vital that we have people like our Resolution Runners to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re thrilled Natalie is taking part to mark four years since her stroke; she is a real inspiration. We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she makes her way through the park.

Entry fee is just £15 and runners can choose the 5km, 10km or 15km course. 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.