​Salford Royal nurses’ Resolution to Run for Stroke Association

A team of research nurses from Salford Royal Hospital are taking part in the Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association at Heaton Park on Sunday 07 April 2019, after their team leader survived a stroke.

The acute research delivery team at Salford Royal give eligible patients the opportunity to take part in stroke research studies and trials. Louise Harrison, the team’s leader, worked in stroke research for several years, before surviving a stroke herself. Louise found herself being admitted to and receiving treatment in the very hospital where she works.

Now, Louise is joining a team of runners taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run, aiming to raise vital funds for the charity and help people affected by stroke to rebuild their lives.

Kathryn Cawley, Senior Research Nurse at Salford Royal Hospital, is taking on the run, alongside Louise and their colleagues Melanie Slaughter, Diane Lomas and Kimberley Smith.

Kathryn said: “Fortunately Louise has made an amazing recovery. We’ve decided to take on the Resolution Run at different distances, as we experience first-hand every day the devastating impact that stroke can have on a person and their family. We want to help support our patients by raising funds for the Stroke Association and in particular help them to fund more vital research into the prevention, causes, treatment and aftercare for stroke patients.”

Sian Thomas, Regional 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 in Greater Manchester who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2019.

“In the UK there are around 100,000 strokes every year. Our latest research ⁽ⁱ⁾ shows that by training and taking part in a Resolution Run, you are helping to lower your stroke risk. The funds raised by each runner means we can reach out to more stroke survivors and their families to offer the support that they may need to rebuild their lives. On behalf of the thousands of stroke survivors and their loved ones that we support every year, I just want to say thank you.”

Research from the charity shows that many strokes could be prevented if people made some simple lifestyle changes. Introducing physical activity into your routine is just one aspect of a healthier lifestyle required to reduce your risk of stroke. Monitoring (and managing) your blood pressure, eating a more balanced diet and stopping smoking can all significantly reduce your stroke risk. The money raised through the Resolution Run in Heaton Park will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in Greater Manchester.

Last year participants raised over £633,000 for the Stroke Association This year the charity hopes to raise over £850,000 to continue supporting stroke survivors and their families throughout the UK.

To sponsor the team, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/salfordroyalacuteresearch

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 www.resolutionrun.org.ukemail resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.