Nottingham stroke survivor joins the resolution for the Stroke Association

Tom Warbrick, 30, from Nottingham, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke by taking part in his first ever Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association, on 15 March at Rushcliffe Country Park.

Tom, a Business Analyst from the city, was inspired to sign up after having a stroke that left him paralysed down his left side when he was just 29. As a result of his stroke, Tom was confined to a wheelchair for three months and has lost 50% of his vision too.

Tom was a fit and healthy 29 year old when a stroke struck while he was playing football. Tom suddenly began to feel tired and weak and watched as the ball flew past him into the net. When he found he could no longer stand and began crawling across the pitch, friends looked on assuming he was joking. Luckily, a fellow player recognised the symptoms and called an ambulance to take him to City hospital and then on to QMC.

Doctors confirmed that Tom had had a stroke, caused by a bleed on the brain. He would go on to spend three weeks in hospital and three months in rehabilitation before being allowed to return home. Through regular physio, Tom has regained the use of his left leg but still has limited use of his left arm and has lost 50% of his vision - which may never improve.

Tom said: “When I first had my stroke I was left paralysed down one side, head to toe. I went through so many different wards and rehabilitation early on and I had to be in a wheelchair for three months, which I was determined to get out of.

“The hard reality to get used to was I knew I could do things to make my arm and leg better but not my vision. I’m taking part in a medical trial at the moment that might help but there are no guarantees.”

Tom is now determined to finish his 5K run and prove to himself and others what he can still do.

Tom said: “I’m still trying to adapt and get back into things after my stroke. I returned to work six weeks ago and I’ve found the main struggle is getting there and back, I find buses really difficult due to my vision. Bus drivers for example aren’t very patient, as to look at me, you wouldn’t really think anything is wrong.

“When the Resolution Run came up I thought, ‘ok I can never play football again, which I used to love, but I can train for a 5K run.’ My main concern is just finishing the race, even if I run, walk or crawl, I will finish – it’s something I need to prove to myself.”

Joanne Burr, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association said: “Stroke recovery is a marathon not a sprint. And each recovery is as individual as each survivor like Tom. That’s why we’re encouraging people to join our Resolution Run in Nottingham 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.

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For more information, please contact Ken Scott on 0115 7788429 or email ken.scott@stroke.org.uk