​Local runner joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Jade Minchin, 38 from Rochdale, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in the Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Heaton Park at Sunday 08 March.

Jade was inspired to sign up after her husband Andy had a stroke in June 2018 completely out of the blue, at just 41 years old. After sheer determination and hard work with his recovery, Andy will join Jade to take on the Resolution Run and mark how far he has come.

Jade said: “Andy’s stroke was such a shock to us as a family. The movement on his left side was affected and he lost the use of his arm and leg, but after a lot of determination, rehabilitation and support Andy has made a great recovery and he is now back to working full time.”

Andy and Jade are parents to Isla, 5 and Erin, 2.

Jade added: “When it first happened, Andy had to learn all the basic motor skills like using his hand and walking, at a time when our youngest daughter Erin was learning to walk herself, and it really did seem so unfair. The local community stroke team did an amazing job and together with hard work and commitment from Andy, he was back up on his feet within three months.

“Andy would always have been the first person to put himself forward for the run but as he couldn’t after his stroke, I completed the Resolution Run in Manchester in 2019 to show him how proud we are. I managed to raise an amazing £1,275 from friend, family and work colleagues.

“This year a group of our friends are taking part with me and the best part is, Andy will join us as well. We want to support the Stroke Association to raise awareness of strokes in younger people and help raise money to support the cause. If we can just help one person in their recovery by raising some money for the Stroke Association then we would be so happy.”

Liv Simpson, 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 at Heaton Park 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.

To sponsor Jade, Andy and their team, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/team-minchin-resolution-run-manchester-2020

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.