​Runcorn stroke survivor receives regional recognition

A stroke survivor from Runcorn has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of her determination and fundraising efforts for the charity.

Emma Pitt, 40, was honeymooning in Malaysia in 2009 when she had a stroke. She was just a week into what was meant to have been a six week holiday of a lifetime, when she woke in the night with a strange pressure sensation in her head. She lost the strength in her arms, her speech became slurred, and she realised she could no longer walk. Emma spent three weeks having tests in hospital before eventually flying home to begin a long road to recovery.

Luckily, the strength in her arms and speech came back relatively quickly. However the stroke left Emma with depression, panic attacks and anxiety. Now, six years’ later, Emma has made a remarkable recovery, running half marathons and 10k races every few weeks and fundraising for the Stroke Association. She has completed more than 50 events, recently running the London Marathon for the charity, as well as being one of just 300 runners who tackled the BTR Tour of Merseyside in 2014.

Emma was nominated for the Fundraiser of the Year Award by Annie Moran, Events Officer at the Stroke Association. Annie said: “Emma initially set out to raise £100 by taking part in the BTR Tour of Merseyside in 2014, but smashed this by raising ten times that amount. However, it’s the encouragement Emma has given to other runners in their fundraising efforts that is invaluable. She is the perfect spokesperson for young people affected by stroke. With Emma telling her powerful story, she proves without a doubt that there is life after stroke.

“Emma has such an incredibly positive outlook on life. To see how much she has achieved in such a short space of time puts life’s setbacks into perspective, and she never fails to leave you feeling inspired.”

Emma received her Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on Tuesday 15 September. Her certificate was presented by Dr Khalil Kawafi, Consultant Stroke Physician and Clinical Lead at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and Sale Sharks players, Andy Hughes and Matt Rogerson.

Emma said: “As I got stronger after my stroke, I wanted to be healthier so I joined a gym, and started running. I wanted to take charge of my life again.

I’m not 100 per cent back to how I was; I still have some weakness on my left side and I know that depression never really leaves you. However, going out for a run has given me the ability to have peace in my life again. I am utterly overwhelmed at receiving the Life after Stroke Award; it really means a lot to me.”

Chris Larkin, Regional Director for the Stroke Association in the North West, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the North West were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage local people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations. Next year’s nominations open on 02 November 2015.

For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA

Between 26 October and 01 November, the Stroke Association is calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ and raise vital funds for the charity. To find out more, visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand.