As many of you may know when I was 11 my Gran had a stroke. We moved back to Cumbria to look after her. She spent 10 years bed ridden, and unable to communicate. This was a terrible blow for an intelligent and articulate women. She had been an eye surgeon, but the stroke rendered her incapable of using her right hand, and made it hard for her to even write.

My Grandad had a Stroke last year (around 20 years later) and while it is hardly a good thing, he has not been as badly affected, while the potential for damage was much greater. Much of this is down to improved understanding of Strokes, leading to improved treatment and drugs.

A lot of this improvement has come from the work of the Stroke Association. Other work of the association includes support to Stroke victims and their family and carers.

Having seen the devastation of a stroke first hand, I am keen to support the work of the association. If that means dragging myself round 26.2 miles (let’s face it I don't think anyone would regard me as a natural runner, the shear comedy of me plodding round has to be worth something) then so be it. I have set a target of £1000 but please don't think of that as a maximum. And remember to gift aid any donations.

Cheers Archie