​Stroke survivor goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

Press release -

​Stroke survivor goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

A Heage stroke survivor has completed the Simplyhealth Great North Run on Sunday 10 September to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and mark six months since his stroke.

David Litchfield, 48, is a manager for a plant and tool hire company, and has just returned to work after a stroke in March this year.

David said: “I woke up and somehow didn’t feel right, but I managed to drive to work. When I tried to log onto my computer or write, I couldn’t figure out what to do. I tried to explain this to my colleague but could only say ‘I can’t remember’.”

David was sent home, where he was visited by paramedics who didn’t recognise he was having a stroke. After being set to Royal Derby Hospital, he was given a CT scan and eventually diagnosed as having had a stroke by the stroke consultant.

David said: “My stroke didn’t leave me with any physical problems but my speech and memory were both affected. Now I get confused with things like times and dates and I want to raise awareness of the hidden effects of stroke. People who meet me don’t see how my stroke has affected me mentally; they just don’t realise what’s going on inside your head.”

A keen runner for over 18 years, David signed up for the Great North Run to mark six months since his stroke and raise awareness of stroke.

He added: “This was the 19th Great North Run I’ve ever done! Fortunately my stroke didn't affect my ability to run, so l signed up in aid of the Stroke Association. I really wanted to give something back following the support they have given me throughout my recovery. When I came out of hospital, I was back running with my club in days, although I do get more tired. I’ve raised around £250 so far and I was so pleased with my finish time. I managed to complete the run in one hour 42 minutes and it was a really enjoyable day.”

Dave Shearer, Events Officer at the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital that we have people like David to help raise funds. We’re incredibly grateful to him for supporting the Stroke Association at the Great North Run. “The money raised will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke and their families and carers, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.”

It’s not too late to sponsor David, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dave-litchfield .

Topics

  • A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. 
  • Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk

    • Contacts

    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478

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    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK