A little over 15 years ago my grandmother suffered her first stroke. Now in her 80s, she has survived several strokes and heart attacks, and is still going strong! But a large part of that is down to the fantastic work the Stroke Association do. The Association works with the local hospitals to not only rehabilitate those affected by strokes, and their associated health issues, but also give them the opportunity to live their lives as they would always wish, with a support network that continues years after they have recovered.

Through speech therapy, art, gardening and even sports, my grandmother is able to walk almost entirely on her own, and still gossip over a cup of tea. The Association offer support for the families of stroke sufferers, as well as days out, going shopping for those unable to, and will even help with those horrid phone calls about bills. Without the Stroke Association, my grandmother would certainly never have recovered in the way she has, but they have also helped my grandfather – her carer – by giving him the support he needs to care for someone with limited mobility. My grandparents have been a huge part of my life, and the Stroke Association have given our family the chance to have our indomitable matriarch around for a long time yet!

As a runner, I have run 3 half marathons – one raising money for the Stroke Association – and want to give myself a bigger challenge. The Bristol to Bath Marathon is close to my heart as I went to university in Bath, and I hope that it will help to run through familiar territory!

Please help me to raise the vital funds needed to keep the Stroke Association going strong.

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