Our story ❤️

On 26 May 2026, our lives changed forever when Ryan suffered a stroke at just 44 years old.

Ryan was a self-employed electrician, fit, independent and busy building his life and future. Nothing prepared us for the sudden and life-changing impact of stroke.

Ryan’s stroke was caused by severe damage to his carotid arteries following radiotherapy treatment for throat cancer in 2016. Sadly, the damage to his arteries had progressed significantly over the years. An attempt was made to open one of the arteries with a stent, but heartbreakingly, it re-blocked before Ryan had even left the operating theatre. We are now focused on protecting the one remaining open artery and keeping Ryan as healthy as possible.

Ryan is living with the ongoing effects of his stroke, including significant loss of speech and function in his right arm. As a self-employed electrician, this has also meant he is currently unable to work, bringing challenges that extend far beyond the physical effects of stroke.

One of the biggest reasons behind this fundraiser is to raise awareness of stroke and life after stroke. Stroke doesn't only happen to older people — Ryan was just 44. The impact can be devastating, affecting independence, employment, finances, relationships and everyday life.

We have also been shocked by how limited the support can feel once you leave hospital. Ryan received six weeks of physiotherapy following his discharge, before having to navigate so much of his recovery and life after stroke ourselves.

We want to help raise awareness of the realities that stroke survivors and their families face, whilst raising vital funds for the Stroke Association to support people affected by stroke and help improve lives after stroke.

Every mile I complete throughout October is for Ryan. Every donation helps. And every share helps us reach someone who may know very little about stroke — until it happens to them or someone they love.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for helping us turn something incredibly difficult into something positive. ❤️

Every mile is for Ryan. 👟❤️