​Local stroke survivor joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Lydia Johnson, 29 from Hesketh Bank, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in her first ever Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on Sunday 19 April at Croxteth Country Park, Liverpool.

A nurse and mother of one, Lydia was inspired to sign up after surviving a stroke two years ago.

Lydia said: “I felt ill whilst at work with a bad headache and dizziness. As a migraine sufferer, I thought I just needed to get home, take some pain relief and rest in a dark quiet room, so that’s exactly what I did. My husband Rob came home from work later that afternoon and noticed something was different this time. I was difficult to rouse and my speech was delayed and jumbled. He was concerned. I came around a little more, and I also recognised something was unusual. I had severe left sided head pain, loss of vision and was also struggling to communicate.

“Looking back, I shouldn’t have been so stubborn and should have sought help straight away. But I was adamant Rob didn’t take me to hospital or call 999 as I felt it would pass and I didn’t feel it warranted an ambulance or an A&E visit.“

However the following day, Lydia found herself in A&E and following a CT scan and an assessment, she was given the devastating news that she’d had a stroke.

Lydia added: “This came as a huge shock, and even more so when they told me the stroke had actually happened a little while ago, earlier than my recent symptoms. It was a bit of a puzzle to the doctors but they were glad it had been identified.

“Although I was in denial for many weeks about being diagnosed with a stroke, reality hit as I went through further investigations and appointments and I was so thankful that it had been recognised.

“Although my stroke has had little impact on my abilities and independence, it has had quite a significant impact on my psychological health. Physically I can struggle with fatigue and shortness of breath at times, as well as pins and needles to my affected side.

“I am just very thankful I am well supported, especially by my husband. We have even just had our first baby, our daughter Norah, which is a miracle in itself. My family and friends are also a great support and I have found comfort in my Christian faith too and support from church.

“I am proud to join the resolution and run the Resolution Run as a stroke survivor. I I hope to raise at least £250 for the Stroke Association to help other survivors rebuild their lives after stroke. It was through their website and Facebook page I found stories similar to my own and realised I wasn’t alone in my experience as a younger person.

“Training is going well and I am building up my running again, mostly at the gym at the moment until the weather improves. I’m also now nine months post baby so I’m also trying to get my body back in shape following my pregnancy.”

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.