Press release -
Local runner’s Resolution to Run for Stroke Association following husband’s devastating stroke
Victoria Gater, 51, from Bracknell, made a New Year’s resolution to take part in her first ever Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association on 24 March at Black Park Country Park, Slough.
Victoria made the decision to sign up after her husband Mark, 54, had a stroke last year. Since signing up, Victoria, has also managed to encourage 11 of her closest family and friends to take part too. To date they have raised over £800 for the charity.
Mark had a stroke in April 2018 which initially left him in a coma for a number of weeks. After regaining consciousness, he had no feeling at all on his right side and was unable to speak. Mark had to spend six weeks in hospital followed by five months of rehabilitation. Today, Mark is able to move with the aid of a quad stick and still has severe aphasia.
Victoria said, “I am proud to be running in the Resolution Run for my husband Mark. After his stroke we felt completely isolated and lost. As a family, it has turned our lives completely upside down in every way. Mark was such a strong man and a real social butterfly, so to see him lose that has been one of the hardest things.”
“Our Support Coordinator Steph, from the Stroke Association, has been a breath of fresh air and calmness when we needed it most. She has provided amazing advice and found a buddy for Mark too who is also a stroke survivor. He has been a hugely positive influence and really challenges Mark to improve. I’ll be running with my four children, my daughter and son in law and other friends who have all felt the personal impact of stroke too. We want to raise awareness and let everyone know that support is available.”
Sara Betsworth, Head of Stroke Support 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 Slough 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 to Victoria and her running team.”
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 Slough will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke.
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.
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.ukemail resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.