​Hartlepool family take on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Amanda Cadas and her 16-year-old son, Jack, from Hartlepool are taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 18 March, after Jack’s father survived a stroke.

Jack was staying with his father, Graeme Cadas, now 46, in April 2017, when he recognised the signs of a stroke and saved his life. Graeme had been playing football days earlier when he took a small blow to the head. After Graeme experienced a worsening headache, Jack woke up in the morning and found his father collapsed on the floor. Fortunately he acted quickly and dialled 111, who sent an ambulance and diagnosed him with a stroke.

Amanda said: “Hospital staff said that without Jack’s intervention, Graeme would have died. He was only 15 at the time, but fortunately he had seen a presentation at school about stroke and what to do in an emergency. He saved Graeme’s life. Now Graeme has limited mobility in his right arm and leg, and although he’s making good progress, he still has a long way to go. Graeme was really fit and healthy before his stroke, and was training for a triathlon. He’s so determined to recover. It’s been completely life changing for him and a massive shock to everyone.”

Amanda and Jack are preparing to take on the Stroke Association’s 10km Resolution Run at Tees Barrage, Teesside on Sunday 11 March, alongside Amanda’s daughter, Sarah Gate, and a large group of friends.

Amanda added: “I actually took part in the 10k Resolution Run last year, but at the time I had no connection to stroke. Just two months later, the Stroke Association became a cause close to my heart. This year, Jack is taking part with me and we want to raise as much money as we can to help other families affected by stroke to get the support they need. We’re also going to be joined by my daughter Sarah and lots of our friends. It’ll be a real team effort for Graeme.”

Dave Shearer, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “A Resolution Run is exactly that – a resolution for the New Year that counts. It's the ideal event for people who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2018.

“Every five minutes in the UK, someone’s life is turned upside down by stroke. By signing up to a Resolution Run, each runner will help us do so much more to support stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives. We’re thrilled Amanda and Jack are taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering them on alongside our other participants as they make their way through the park.”

At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control, eating healthily and taking regular exercise. The money raised through the Resolution Runs will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the North East.

Entry fee is just £16. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/resolution , email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.