​University of Leicester professor goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association

A University of Leicester professor is taking on the Simplyhealth Great North Run on Sunday 10 September, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Professor of Stroke Medicine, Tom Robinson, from Leicester, was inspired to take part in the run after being a trustee of the charity for three years.

Tom said: “I became an avid runner around 10 years ago, after a close friend asked me to go on a training run with him. It made sense to take part in the event alongside him too, and I’ve never looked back since. I now run a few half marathons each year.”

Tom’s research interests include clinical trials and the investigation and management of blood pressure following stroke. His research has been funded by a number of organisations including the UK National Institute for Health Research, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the British Heart Foundation, as well as the Stroke Association.

Tom was initially aiming to raise around £350 but is already way ahead of his target, and now hopes to raise £1,200 for the charity. His fundraising has been given a boost as Tom plans to complete his run with his hair sprayed purple, the colour for stroke.

Tom, a father of two, added: “I want to raise as much money as possible to help families whose lives have been devastated by stroke so they can continue to get the support they need from the Stroke Association. My daughters have been helping me spread the word about my fundraising plans on Facebook. I’m also doing a sweepstake at work, encouraging people to get involved and donate. My parents-in-law also live in South Shields so I’m sure they’ll be there on the day of the run, rooting for me at the finish line.”

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 Tom to help raise funds. We’re incredibly grateful to him for going above and beyond his role as trustee and 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.We look forward to cheering him on as he speeds from Newcastle to South Shields.”

It’s not too late to sponsor Tom, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Thompson-Robinson.