Local runners’ Resolution to Run for Stroke Association

A group of runners from Bury are taking part in the Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association at Heaton Park on Sunday 07 April 2019, alongside 35 year old stroke survivor Alison Brown.

The team of around 20 runners are personal friends of Alison and also members of Fitness Freak 24 gym in Bury. They were inspired to take part after Alison survived a stroke in 2017.

Alison, from Heywood, twisted her neck while Thai Boxing, before going on to experience 10 months of bad headaches, pressure in her head, fainting and feeling unwell. After months in and out of hospital, she collapsed at a street dance class.

In hospital, Alison was told she’d had a stroke, with her balance, stability and vision all affected, and she underwent intensive physiotherapy to regain her independence.

Alison said: “At first I couldn’t drive, work, walk, or do anything. I still have spells of fatigue, and I also get a numb arm sometimes and feel sick. It’s been a horrible ordeal but I’ve since returned to work full time in my role as a commercial property paralegal, after a phased return. To this day I am still recovering.”

Alison took part in the 5km Resolution Run in 2018, and this year will be walking and jogging the 10km route, alongside her team of friends, nicknamed ‘The A Team’.

She added: “I’ve had tremendous support from both the Stroke Association and the people around me and I am very grateful. Having the continued guidance of the Stroke Association has helped me through some of my worst times and pushed me in the right direction.

“Now I have managed to get a team of around 20 people together for the Resolution Run at Heaton Park. We’re calling ourselves ‘The A Team’, with myself being the ‘A’ because everyone knows how much my stroke has and still affects my life.

“The team includes members from my local gym in bury, Fitness Freak 24 and personal friends. They have been training me to get stronger every day. Also, if it wasn’t for my personal trainer Daniel Kelly and his patience, I probably wouldn’t be in a position to be doing this. Again I am thankful to everyone who is taking part, as without them and their support along the way, I don’t know where I’d be today.”

Sian Thomas, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “A Resolution Run is exactly that – a resolution for the New Year that counts. It's the ideal event for people in Bury who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2019.

“In the UK there are around 100,000 strokes every year. Our latest research ⁽ⁱ⁾ shows that by training and taking part in a Resolution Run, you are helping to lower your stroke risk. The funds raised by each runner means we can reach out to more stroke survivors and their families to offer the support that they may need to rebuild their lives. On behalf of the thousands of stroke survivors and their loved ones that we support every year, I just want to say thank you.”

Research from the charity shows that many strokes could be prevented if people made some simple lifestyle changes. Introducing physical activity into your routine is just one aspect of a healthier lifestyle required to reduce your risk of stroke. Monitoring (and managing) your blood pressure, eating a more balanced diet and stopping smoking can all significantly reduce your stroke risk. The money raised through the Resolution Run in Heaton Park will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in Greater Manchester.

Last year participants raised over £633,000 for the Stroke Association This year the charity hopes to raise over £850,000 to continue supporting stroke survivors and their families throughout the UK.

To sponsor 'The A Team', visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alison-brown77 

Entry fee is just £16. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.