Local stroke survivor marks a milestone in recovery with the Stroke Association

A local stroke survivor from Mitcheldean has made a New Year’s resolution to take part in her first ever Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, just ten months after surviving a stroke.

Amanda Brewin, 50, had a stroke in May 2018. Amanda said: “At the time of the stroke I had just completed a weekend welding course. I was suffering from tight chest pains which I put down to the hot weather and layers of clothing I was wearing.

“Unfortunately the following morning after having a shower, I collapsed on the bathroom floor. I remember trying to get up off the floor but couldn’t. After some time I managed to pull myself up and go to the sink to clean my teeth. At this point I still didn’t know what was happening, but knew something was very wrong. I remember my left hand felt numb, and whilst trying to clean my teeth I was dribbling and I couldn’t feel my face.

“I then tried to get my zipper hoodie on but couldn’t get my arm in the sleeve, I live in a flat above offices and I could hear the staff talking below, so I put on my boots and slowly made it down the stairs to ask if they could help me get dressed. It was then that someone asked me if I was ok. They noticed that my left side face had drooped and I was very confused, so they rushed me to the local hospital.”

At hospital Amanda was told she’d had a heart attack followed by a stroke. Doctors identified that Amanda had a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a trapdoor-like flap in her heart that can cause blood clots, which could also have contributed to her stroke.

Amanda added: “I couldn’t believe what they were telling me. I was fit and healthy, I never thought something like this could happen to me. During my time in hospital I surprised all doctors and nurses with my persistence to get better. I couldn’t swallow anything or drink for three days, it was awful. But I was determined to get better and not let this define who I was. I worked tirelessly on my recover in hospital. My partner Joe has been a rock for me; he’s been there through some of the hardest days of my life and I really owe a lot of thanks to him for his support, motivation and encouragement.

“I wanted to take part in the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run to not only raise vital funds for the charity, but to raise awareness of the condition. Many people can’t believe I’ve had a stroke, and I’m passionate to raise awareness that strokes happen to any one of any age. I’m currently walking a lot to get in training for the run, I’m pushing myself to the limit and know that I’ll be so proud when I hit the finish line.”

The next Resolution Run in the South West will take place at Escot Park in Devon on Sunday 24 February 2019. Participants can take part in a 5, 10 or 15K run.

Amy Spencer, Community and Event Fundraising Manager 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 the South West 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 will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the South West.

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.