​Loughborough stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Ashley Martin, 24, from Loughborough, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 11 March, after surviving a stroke the age of 17.

Ashley was taking part in a driving lesson when he felt his left side go numb. He said: “I thought it was just the air conditioning and tried to turn it off. Then I lost the movement in my left side. My instructor knew something was wrong and drove me home. When I walked into my house, the first thing I said to my mum was ‘I’m having a stroke.’ As well as losing my movement, my mouth had dropped. When I tried to drink a glass of water it fell down my left side.”

Ashley was taken to the stroke ward at Leicester Royal Infirmary and has been very fortunate to make a remarkable recovery, saying: “I have some slight weakness in the fingertips on my left hand, and a little ache and pain now and again on my left side. I attend a local stroke group and have seen how devastating the effects of stroke can be. While it’s been a long road and it took months of physiotherapy to get my movement back, I know I’ve been incredibly lucky.

“Since my stroke I took up my driving lessons again and passed my test first time. It was a huge moment for me. I’ve also been to university and got a degree in sports journalism. I’m really proud I’ve come out the other side and of everything I’ve achieved.”

Ashley is now taking on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run at Braunstone Park on Sunday 11 March to raise vital funds for the charity. He’ll be joined by his girlfriend, Emma Hackney.

Ashley added: “I love keeping fit and my New Year’s Resolution was to complete some new challenges. As well as the 5km, I’m hoping to take part in a Tough Mudder. I want to prove that stroke can be beaten! I also want to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need.”

Georgina Lawrence, Community and Events Fundraiser 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 who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2018.

“Every five minutes in the UK, someone’s life is turned upside down by stroke. By signing up to a Resolution Run, each runner will help us do so much more to support stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives. We’re thrilled Ashley is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering him on alongside our other participants as he makes his way through the park.”

To sponsor Ashley, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ashley-martin10

At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control, eating healthily and taking regular exercise. The money raised through the Resolution Runs will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the West Midlands.

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 http://www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.