​Leeds stroke survivor joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Bridie Kirsopp, 26 from Leeds, is marking almost a decade since her stroke by taking part in the Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Sunday 22 March at Temple Newsam.

Bridie was inspired to sign up for the run, after surviving a stroke during Christmas 2010. Bridie woke one morning with an excruciating headache at the back of her skull, which continued for about five days. As she grew visibly weaker and sleepier, and unable to focus on anything, Bridie’s family called out a doctor who misdiagnosed a migraine. The next day the left side of her body became numb and weakened, the vision in her left eye was blurry, and she was dizzy, off balance and very unaware of her surroundings.

She said: “As an uninformed teenager who didn’t think a stroke was possible in people of my age, I didn’t think this was what was happening at the time, although the thought did cross my mind. We never assumed this was a stroke until we were told, and it was a real shock.”

Since her stroke Bridie has had uncountable medical appointments, to help improve the effects of her stroke. Bridie was left with Central Pain Syndrome, fatigue and depression. However, she is now marking a milestone by taking on the 5k Resolution Run, alongside her mother Mandy, Grandma Mavis and her brother Harvey and his girlfriend Charlotte.

Bridie said: “I'm hoping to keep breaking the barriers that stroke builds, both for me and other survivors. I'm looking forward to rallying around with my family who have supported me from day one, to prove once again that the effects of my stroke don't have complete hold of me. It is possible to still challenge myself and achieve things I never thought I would.

“As I'm doing the run I will think back to the post stroke place I was in almost 10 years ago and use that as inspiration and motivation to keep going. Remembering how immobile and emotionally lost I was will spur me to soldier on, as will the thought of the money I’ve raised enabling those who are currently or have been in the same position as I have to be able to reach this point and rebuild their life again.”

Adrian Greenwood, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke recovery is a marathon not a sprint. And each recovery is as individual as each survivor. That’s why we’re encouraging people to join our Resolution Run in Leeds and raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

“Life after stroke is different for us all, but there is one way we can stand together. The Resolution Run is the perfect opportunity to mark a milestone in your own stroke recovery, show your support for a friend or family member affected by stroke, or in memory of a loved one. You can run, walk or cheer and choose your distance to suit you. It’s more than a run, it’s a resolution to help rebuild lives after stroke.”

There are 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK living with devastating wide-ranging disabilities such as speech difficulties, memory loss and mental health issues. The Stroke Association provides specialist support, funds critical research and campaigns to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

Entry fee is just £15 and runners can choose their distance from a range of distances depending on location. Walk or run, all participants will receive a medal waiting at the finish line. To join the resolution, visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.