​Matlock resident takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Lydia Redfern, 29, from Matlock, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 04 March, after her husband survived a life-threatening stroke while on holiday in Corfu.

In October 2017, Lydia and her husband Joe were on holiday with their two young children, Reggie, now eight months old, and Stanley, two.

Lydia said: “We were at the hotel when Joe started to try to speak, but couldn’t get his words out and struggled to lift his right arm. We were both so frightened. I screamed for help and fortunately, a kind-hearted family helped us with the children as Joe was taken to hospital.”

Joe was rushed to hospital in Corfu then transferred to mainland Greece for over two weeks, before being flown home to begin his recovery. Doctors confirmed that Joe’s stroke was caused by a hole in his heart, which had been previously undiagnosed.

Lydia said: “Fortunately, our parents were really supportive and came to take the children home, while my mum stayed in Greece with us. Joe’s stroke left him unable to speak, however he is having speech and language therapy and getting better each day. He’s now improving when making sounds and can say the odd word. The movement in his arm has returned, but he is still unable to use his hand.”

Lydia is now preparing to take on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run at Markeaton Park on Sunday 04 March, to raise vital funds for the charity.

She added: “We’ve had a lot of support from the Stroke Association. Joe was a self-employed stonemason and had just set up his own business which was doing really well before his stroke. Fortunately the Stroke Association was there to help us with information and advice about benefits and support, as well as providing a Life After Stroke Grant for a hoover to help at home.

“Until January, I never did any exercise and didn’t have a great diet, but then I joined a running club, Solemates, and now train each Tuesday and Thursday. I’m determined to run the 5k and hope to complete a 10k and the Chesterfield Half Marathon before the end of the year. I want to raise as much as I can for the Stroke Association to help other families affected by stroke to get the support they need.”

Lucy Burnip, 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 Lydia is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she makes her way through the park.”

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 East 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.