I'm back with a new running adventure! At the beginning of the year I thought that I'd possibly maybe like to run a half marathon before the end of 2021. I kind of thought it would just be me on my own pootling around Richmond Park, but why not do it in style? And raise some money for charity at the same time. So on the 10th October I will be running the Royal Parks Half for the Stroke Association! #TeamStroke!

Now for the heavy stuff...A few days later on the 16th October, it will be seven years since our Mum died suddenly from a hemorrhagic stroke (brain haemorrhage / bleed on the brain). Many days it doesn't seem possible that so many years have passed, but at the same time it's an eternity since I last saw her. Mostly I've come to terms with the fact that the world keeps turning and life has carried on without her. But this felt like a good opportunity to shout about how awesome she was, and how slightly crazy she was, and make her proud with a little crazy of my own. 

I chose the Stroke Association in her memory, to help fund their ongoing research into preventative and rehabilitative treatments. There are over 1.2million stroke survivors in the UK, with 100,000 strokes happening in the UK each year. That's one stroke every five minutes. 

Some of you may know Mum suffered the same type of stroke back in 2000. Thanks to quick first aid and our amazing NHS she survived. With time and some rehabilitation Mum recovered almost to her old self. A lot of stroke survivors are not as fortunate and the Stroke Association play a crucial role in providing specialist support and rehabilitation to help people rebuild their lives after this terrifying experience. 

If you can donate to support this awesome charity then it would be so appreciated. In addition; I'd like to ask you to also consider doing the following: 

1 ) Learn the signs of stroke. Remember FAST

Facial weakness - Can they smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

Arm weakness - Can they lift both arms?

Speech - Can the person speak clearly, and understand you?

Time to call 999 if you see any of these symptoms. 

2) Learn CPR and basic life support. You can book a first aid course through the British Red Cross or St John's Ambulance. Hopefully you'll never need to use it but this knowledge saves lives. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_QPCauSmvc&t=89s

Thanks everyone, I promise to bore you with training updates very soon! 11 weeks to go....