​Local mother joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Marie Eke, 43 from Hexham, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in her first ever Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Sunday 23 February at Exhibition Park, Newcastle.

A mother of two, Marie was inspired to sign up after her son Harrison had a stroke at just six years old in April 2018.

Marie said: “It was actually his brother’s birthday. Harrison fell in the yard at school during playtime. It was assumed he’d fallen and hit his head, however he’d actually fallen whilst having a stroke. As soon as I got to school to see him I knew something was seriously wrong. By the time I’d rushed him to hospital I knew in my heart it was a stroke.

“We were swiftly taken to the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle. Because stroke is so rare in children, doctors thought he'd had a seizure. I kept telling everyone I thought it was a stroke, but it wasn't until 11 hours later when the on call neurologist was consulted that they finally agreed and he was given aspirin.

“Harrison had all the signs of stroke; he had right side weakness, a droopy smile, and he couldn't talk. I will never forget when I rushed to school and he looked at me and tried to cry but couldn't.”

Marie added: “The whole experience has left me somewhat broken and I’m now battling PTSD, anxiety and anorexia nervosa. But Harrison has made a good recovery. He has ongoing cognitive issues and confuses his words or struggles to find them. He still has trouble writing with his right hand, but considering he came out of hospital in a wheelchair he has made an amazing physical recovery.

“I am so proud of my brave boy and his strength will help me fight back to health myself. I’m joining the resolution and taking on the Resolution Run to raise awareness of childhood stroke and achieve something positive. The run is giving me something positive to get better for.”

Jess Parkin, 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 Newcastle 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.