​Local runner joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Marie Hall, 42 from Warrington, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in the Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Sunday 19 April at Croxteth Country Park, Liverpool.

Marie was inspired to sign up after her mother Hilary Hughes, 68, had a stroke after undergoing bowel surgery for severe ulcerative colitis, on Boxing Day 2019.

Marie said: “After the surgery I visited mum and she was doing ok. But then later that evening she was extremely distressed, and seemed confused and agitated. She was telling us there was something wrong with her legs and that she was frightened. The next morning we were told her condition had deteriorated and she has been put into an induced coma.

“She was awake when we visited the following day, but we noticed she wasn’t speaking or moving and there was a droop to her mouth on her left side. I knew what these signs meant. The doctor informed me mum had suffered a stroke and that the outlook wasn’t good. I left the hospital heartbroken that night.”

However, the next day, Hilary was able to tell Marie that she loved her and as the days and weeks continued, she made steady progress.

Marie added: “After exceeding everyone’s expectations, mum was eventually transferred to assisted living at Padgate House. The staff there worked her tirelessly to get her to a point where she was independent enough to take herself to the bathroom, walk to the dining room get herself washed and dressed every day – all with walking aids.

“Now she is currently still recovering and working hard on her mobility issues with the help of the physios, stroke team and district nurses. While dealing with all of this, on the operating table she had 100 per cent of her bowel removed during a seven hour operation.

“She now has a stoma bag, so whilst coming to terms with the fact that she had suffered a stroke she has also had to get to grips with managing a stoma. Superheroes do not always wear capes; my mum is my superhero. She is simply amazing.

“I’m proud to take on the Resolution Run alongside my best friend Amanda, to help raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and help other families like mine to rebuild their lives after stroke.”

Hannah Traynor, 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 Liverpool 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.