Press release -
James runs marathon for his Mum
22nd June 2015
James runs marathon for his Mum
A former England 800m runner has taken up the marathon challenge to raise funds for the Stroke Association after his mum Lynne had a stroke recently which has temporarily put her own marathon running experience on hold. James Mayo, who formerly lived in Andover, completed the Providence Marathon in Rhode Island in the US in just 3hrs 41mins.
Before her stroke Lynne was a keen runner and completed the London Marathon in 3hrs 46mins. James was inspired to run a marathon when he saw his Mum learn how to walk again and go for a little jog in the garden. He said “I decided to run a marathon for Mum, I was floored when she said I had to beat her best time.I began training in January running on the very snowy roads of a Massachusetts winter. I have learnt that I’m not as fit as I once was and running in the snow – all 2.75m of it – yes taller than me, was good for the motivation.”
James’ Mum Lynne Mayo from Winchester Road, Andover, had a stroke in January 2012.At the age of 66 it took the family by complete surprise as Lynne was very fit and loved to run. The stroke affected the right side of her body, leaving her unable to walk and caused aphasia (a communication difficulty).Lynne said “When I came round from my stroke I had no speech at all. I have had to learn again and am still learning. I have had fantastic support from Speech and language therapist Siobhan Letford and the Andover Life After Stroke group, they were marvelous. This is no longer available so I now have private speech therapy with a lady in Isle of Wight using Skype.”
Before her stroke Lynne was a midwife, but has been unable to return to work. She is trying to get back to running, but since her stroke suffers from epilepsy. Her first fit was in May 2012 and she had around ten fits after that before they managed to control it with medication. Lynne adds “it was frustrating because the fits took me backwards in my recovery.”
James completed the marathon in May and has gained sponsorship for his challenge.So far he has raised over $1,100 to help the Stroke Association continue its work.You can still support him and make a donation through www.justgiving.com/run4stroke/.
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For more information, please contact Cheryl Randeria on 07810 697957
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
