Sienna honours dad’s legacy by running half marathon in Canada to raise funds for Stroke Association

A Hampshire woman took on a half marathon in Canada in memory of her late “inspirational” father, carrying on a tradition he set to raise money for the Stroke Association after his stroke.

Sienna Gadney, 19, raised over £2,000 for the UK’s leading stroke support charity by running 21km whilst she was in Canada working as an au pair. Sienna’s dad Ollie had a stroke whilst cycling into work in central London in 2018.

Sienna, who lives in Barton Stacey, said: “Being in central London, Dad was very quickly taken to Royal London hospital and treated via a thrombectomy. He spent three days in hospital and was determined to come back stronger. He had a difficult few months recovering from the significant brain damage the stroke caused, but he got back to cycling and running and, as always true to his word, he came back stronger.

“After his stroke, he raised money for the Stroke Association, giving back for the support they gave him and our family. As a young, fit and healthy stroke survivor, he also gave a lecture to stroke doctors at the hospital he was treated. He spoke about his thrombectomy treatment and his journey to recovery.

“During and after COVID, back to full health and with more time at home, Dad became a proper Strava fiend, tackling 100-mile cycle rides and 10k runs on the hottest days of 2020.

“Sadly, on 15 August 2021, Dad was involved in an accident cycling back into the village. Despite efforts from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance crew to save him, he died. Our lives were turned upside down. As a family, we received an incredible amount of support from everyone around us.

“Dad was so determined and strong and the biggest inspiration to me. He always supported me 100% in everything I did. In his memory, I decided to run a half marathon whilst I was in Québec and fundraise for the Stroke Association.

“I know my Dad loved raising money for the Stroke Association. Dad had completed many sponsored rides to raise money for the charity, to help future stroke survivors recover like he did, and to raise money for stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.”

Rather than taking part in an organised event, Sienna planned her own route which took in the famous Plains of Abraham where, in 1759, British and French forces fought for control of North America and is now an urban park. From there, she ran out towards the Pont de Québec, which is also one of Canada’s national historic sites, and back on a cycle path along the St Lawrence River to Château Frontenac.

Sienna has just returned from Canada and will be going to the University of Exeter next year to study medicine.

The Stroke Association is the leading charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. It’s urging people to help support stroke survivors at Christmas.

Sarah Howells, Mass Participation Officer at the Stroke Association, said: “We can’t thank Sienna enough for taking on this challenge and raising an incredible £2,069 for the Stroke Association.

“Our specialist support, research and campaigning is only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters like Sienna. We’re sure her dad would be very proud of her.

“We’re encouraging everyone to give the gift of stroke support this Christmas, whether as a donation, volunteering your time or fundraising, so that we can help more survivors and their loved ones find their strength and their way back to life after a stroke.” 

The Stroke Association has released a short film, ‘Still Christmas’, featuring home videos and photos shared by stroke survivors and their families, taken at Christmas time after their stroke. The film depicts the reality of facing Christmas after the impact of a stroke and how different this time of year can be for survivors and their families.

To watch the film and give the gift of stroke support this Christmas visit stroke.org.uk/stillchristmas