​Local stroke survivor joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

James Poles, 61 from Thornaby, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in the Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Sunday 01 March at Tees Barrage, Stockton on Tees.

A Health Care Assistant at James Cook University Hospital, James was inspired to sign up for the run after he had a stroke in December 2017, which saw him have to relearn how to walk.

After his stroke, James went out with a walking stick to watch three of his children, Yvette, Leanne and James take part in the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run in 2018. There and then he made the decision he would take part the following year.

James said: “I was discharged from hospital with a walking stick, but I started to teach myself to walk and then run again. I did the couch to 5k programme and built up my fitness, starting small with little runs. Now I’m an accomplished runner, running three or four times a week and can run a 5k in under half an hour.”

James took on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run in 2019, and this year will be joined by his daughter Yvette who will run alongside him. He plans to take on many more runs throughout 2020 including the Great North Run.

James added: “I am proud to join the resolution and run the Resolution Run as a stroke survivor. Taking part in the run will show how far I’ve come with my recovery, while helping others to rebuild their lives after stroke.”

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 Teesside 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.