Heywood stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Alison Brown, 34, from Heywood is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 04 March, to mark a year since her life-changing stroke.

Alison’s ordeal began when she twisted her neck while Thai Boxing, before going on to experience 10 months of bad headaches, pressure in her head, fainting and feeling unwell.

Alison said: “I was in and out of hospital for months. I knew something was seriously wrong, and when I went to a street dance class and rolled my neck round while warming up, I collapsed. My head went one way and my legs went another; I couldn’t control my feet. I was absolutely terrified and the studio called an ambulance.”

Alison was taken to hospital where she was later discharged with a migraine, before admitting herself to Salford Royal days later. Alison added: “I was collapsing, my face and arm were numb and I kept passing out.”

Alison was told she’d had a bilateral artery dissection which was the equivalent of being in a car crash. Her balance, stability and vision had all been affected, and she underwent intensive physiotherapy to regain her independence.

Alison said: “At first I couldn’t drive, work, walk, or do anything. I still have spells of fatigue every few weeks, and I also get a numb arm sometimes and feel sick. It’s been a horrible ordeal. Just two weeks ago, I returned to work full time in my role as a commercial property paralegal, after a phased return.”

Alison is now preparing to mark a huge milestone in her recovery by taking on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run at Heaton Park on Sunday 04 March, to raise vital funds for the charity which supported her.

Alison added: “I was massively supported by the Stroke Association, from advice about my finances and disability applications, to adapting things around the home and help with appointments. It made such a difference. When you’re told you’ve had a stroke, it comes as such a shock. If the Stroke Association hadn’t been there, it would have been so difficult to try and cope with it all. I want to raise vital funds through the Resolution Run so the charity can support others affected by stroke”.

“I used to do lots of exercise before my stroke, but have never been a runner. The first event I took part in was the charity’s Step Out for Stroke in Heywood, which I found really hard, as I was so scared of collapsing. But it helped me so much to get outside and build my confidence. The Resolution Run is the next step for me. It’s going to be a major challenge, but I’m determined to do it and mark a milestone in my recovery. I’m sure I’ll be jogging on the day but I’ll have my friends running alongside me.”

Sian Thomas, Community and Events Fundraiser 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 Alison is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she makes her 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 West.

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 www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.