Press release -
Worcester stroke survivor and mother takes on Resolution Run
A young stroke survivor from Worcester is marking a milestone in her recovery by taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 12 March at Arrow Valley, Redditch.
Jennie Symon, 26, had a stroke in April 2016, while in labour with her second baby. Jennie’s stroke was caused by a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a trapdoor-like flap in her heart that can cause blood clots which lead to strokes. Fortunately all was well with her baby daughter Emily and Jennie has since made a good recovery. However, she went on to have two mini-strokes three months later.
Jennie said: “I’ve been fortunate to make a good recovery but my memory has been affected and my left eye still droops, particularly when I’m tired. I also experience migraines now where I lose the movement in my right side, and have to wear glasses.”
Also a mother to six year-old-James, Jennie is now planning to take on the Stroke Association’s 10km Resolution Run after she was supported by the charity during her recovery.
Jennie added: “I’ve never done anything like this before but when I saw a sign advertising the run, I knew I wanted to sign up. I’ve been doing some training but I’m going to step it up even more now. I want to raise funds for the Stroke Association to help other people recovering from a stroke to get the support they need.”
Claire Benfield, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people like our Resolution Runners to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re thrilled Jennie is taking part; she is a real inspiration. We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she makes their 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 and exercising more. The money raised will help the charity fund vital research, support people affected and prevent stroke.”
To sponsor Jennie, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jennie-symon-26. Entry fee is just £15 and runners can choose the 5km, 10km or 15km course. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.
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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 around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is one of the largest causes of disability. 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
