Whitefield stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Scott Downie, 45, from Whitefield is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 04 March, six months following a stroke.

In August 2017, Scott was delivering mail in his role as a postman, when he felt tired and collapsed at the door of a house. Fortunately, a neighbour recognised the signs of a stroke, called an ambulance immediately and alerted Scott’s partner Sarah.

Scott was taken to Salford Royal where he was given the clot busting drug thrombolysis, and underwent a thrombectomy, an operation to remove the clot from his brain which had caused his stroke.

Scott said: “Within four hours, I’d had the thrombectomy and was back on the stroke ward. Initially, I was completely paralysed down my right side, but as soon as I was back in the recovery room I could feel my body moving again. Within 48 hours I was back at home.

“I was so lucky to receive a thrombectomy, it’s made such a huge difference to my recovery. The only lasting effects I have now are weakness in my hand and fatigue. I’ve now returned to work on a phased return.”

A father to Lewis, 17, and Freya, 13, Scott is preparing to take on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run at Heaton Park on Sunday 04 March, to raise vital funds for the charity.

Scott said: “Before my stroke I had no warning signs and was fit and healthy, even walking up to ten miles a day. Now I want to give something back after receiving such great support. I’ve actually raised over £500 for the Stroke Association already. Within a week of my stroke, I was going out walking each day with my dog to help with my recovery. It kept me going.

“I’m not a runner, but I’ve been out training regularly. On the day, I plan to run a mile and then walk, and then start running again. There’s about six of my friends and family joining in, including my son Lewis, who will be running alongside me. My daughter Freya will also be cheering me on.”

Sian Thomas, Community and Events 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 who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2018.

“Every five minutes in the UK, someone’s life is turned upside down by stroke. By signing up to a Resolution Run, each runner will help us do so much more to support stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives. We’re thrilled Scott is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering him on alongside our other participants as he makes his way through the park.”

At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control, eating healthily and taking regular exercise. The money raised through the Resolution Runs will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the North West.

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 http://www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.