Kent woman running Paris Marathon to raise funds for the Stroke Association

A Rainham woman whose husband had a stroke whilst driving a train is running the Paris Marathon next month to raise funds for the Stroke Association.

Tina Courtney, 43, is supporting the charity’s work helping other stroke survivors and carers, after the couple benefitted from its services during this difficult period in their lives.

Dave’s stroke, which was caused by high blood pressure, happened as the train he was driving arrived at Snodland station in October 2016 when he was aged 51. High blood pressure is the cause of around half of all strokes, which affect 280 people in the UK every day.

Dave said: “I overshot the platform and I had to ask the signaller for permission to get the train back to the platform. Whilst I was changing ends, my conductor noticed I was walking awkwardly to the left, and he thought I was having a stroke, so he called 999.”

The signaller also rang 999 after Dave called him to explain why the train was being delayed.

Tina, who is a conductor for Southeastern Trains, said: “Thanks to their quick actions, any damage to Dave was kept to a minimum. He was in hospital and treated within two hours. Looking at him now, you would never know he’d had a stroke.”

Tina said it was an anxious time for the couple, whose daughters, Megan and Leah, were then aged 10 and two. They were supported by the Stroke Association’s Medway and Swale Stroke Recovery Service.

Dave, who now works as a railway ticket office clerk, said: “They were very informative and gave me help and confidence that support was available.”

Tina said the Stroke Association’s support for carers and families had been invaluable, especially being able to chat online with other families who had experienced stroke.

“She added: “We can’t thank the Stroke Association enough for their help and support. I knew I could go to the online forum on their website if I was ever down or had anything going on that other people had already gone through to get some advice.”

Dave also joined a local stroke group, where members shared their experiences and supported each other.

Tina, a keen runner who has already completed the London Marathon and three half marathons, is looking forward to running in one of her favourite cities on Sunday 12 April with Dave cheering her on.

The Paris Marathon is one of the world’s largest, with around 60,000 runners racing around the city’s famous streets, starting on the Champs-Élysées and finishing near Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

Tina completed the London Marathon in 6 hours 37 minutes and is aiming for six hours in the Paris Marathon. She has so far raised £155. To sponsor her, visit her fundraising page www.justgiving.com/page/tina-courtney-2

The Stroke Association is the leading charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families.

Charlotte Lee, from the Stroke Association’s fundraising team, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Tina for taking on this challenge.

“Our specialist support, research and campaigning is only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters like Tina.”

For more information about stroke and the support services for survivors and carers in Kent, visit the Stroke Association website www.stroke.org.uk or call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100.