Redditch stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Kay Walker, from Redditch, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 25 February, after surviving a stroke at just 35 years old.

Kay woke up with a bad headache in November 2016 after a friend’s housewarming party, and put it down to overindulging the night before.

Kay said: “My headache lasted all weekend and was on the top of my head, which I thought was strange. My left hand had also gone weak, and I kept dropping my phone whenever I tried to use it. When I went to work in my role as housekeeper in a residential home, my colleague and mother advised me to see a doctor.”

After running through the FAST test, Kay’s doctor sent her straight to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where it was revealed she’d had a stroke, caused by a brain aneurysm. Kay was discharged from hospital after a week, with weakness in her left side. She had to retrain her hand with physiotherapy, after losing the movement in her fingers and thumb. Kay also underwent open brain surgery in January 2017 to repair the aneurysm.

Kay said: “I’m now a lot better and can use my hand again. Before my stroke, I was ambidextrous but did most things left-handed. Now I have to use my right hand, which has been frustrating, and I get tired much more easily.”

Kay is now preparing to take on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run at Arrow Valley Country Park on Sunday 25 February alongside her partner Claire Gordon, to raise vital funds for the charity.

Kay added: “The Stroke Association’s Stroke Recovery Service was there for me after my stroke to help with information and advice, and when I saw the Resolution Run I knew I wanted to take part and give something back. I’ve never been a runner or seen myself going to a gym, but after my stroke I decided to join Gymophobics in Redditch, which has been amazing. The staff have been fantastic working with me to achieve all my goals. When I came out of hospital I had no energy. I was getting confused easily and had low self-esteem; I was a completely different person. The charity has helped me to build myself back up again and I’m now much more confident. My partner Claire and our friend Yvonne will be running alongside me on the day. I want to raise as much as I can for the Stroke Association to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need.”

Claire Weaver, 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 Kay 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 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 https://www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.