Local woman’s Resolution to Run for Stroke Association for stroke survivor Mum

Stacey Bailey, 31, from Peterborough, made a New Year’s resolution to take part in her first ever Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association on 10 March 2019 at Nene Park Trust in Peterborough.

Stacey made the decision to sign up after her Mum had a stroke last summer. Stacey and her close family, including mum, Yvonne, are now taking part in the event to raise awareness that stroke can happen to anyone, no matter what age or how fit and healthy they are.

Yvonne, 53, had a stroke in July 2018 and subsequently lost all use of her left side and was left with speech problems too. While weeks of intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation have enabled her to walk short distances with the aid of a stick and splint, Yvonne still has to mostly rely on her wheelchair to get around.

Stacey said: “I am proud to be running in the Resolution Run for my mum who is a stroke survivor. My mum was a really healthy woman, so the stroke has been life changing for her and our family. After her stroke, the amazing staff at Peterborough hospital helped her walk very short distances and she is even starting to straighten her left arm. I am very proud of how far she has come but she still has a long way to go.”

“My sister, brother in law and my husband will all be taking part in the 5K race with me. Mum has also signed up and we will try to get her across the finish line with her walking and in her wheelchair. As a family we want to raise awareness that a stroke can happen to anyone and support the work of the Stroke Association. Mum wasn’t ill and this happened completely out the blue.”

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 Peterborough 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 Stacey, Yvonne and all the family.”

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 local area.

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.

Ends

For more information, please contact Ken Scott, PR Officer on ken.scott@stroke.org.uk

Notes to editors:

(i)Research taken fromPrior PL, Suskin N. Exercise for stroke prevention. Stroke and Vascular Neurology 2018;3: e000155. doi:10.1136/ svn-2018-000155