My mum died of a stroke a few years ago. I found her but I wasn’t quick enough. She lived another week in hospital supported by amazing hospital staff who helped her and my family. This was the first time I’d seen the effects of a stroke first hand.

Since then I’ve seen the devastating effects the brain can suffer and survive. I hadn’t fully appreciated that time in hospital after a stroke can just be the start of an incredibly long journey to rebuild a very different new life. The incredible specialist support teams who work tirelessly to make that possible are truly unsung hero’s and I’m proud to do my bit to support them.

I’m not a runner and I’m likely to cross the line slowly and the colour of a beetroot but I’m going to finish and I’d be hugely grateful for your support.