On the 3^rd October 2021 I will be running my first marathon at the Virgin London Marathon. Some people will know I’m not adverse to the occasional run and I’ve raced 10k and half marathons before, but to date injury has always spared my legs the 26.2 miles of marathon agony. This year will be the exception for several reasons.

I’m running the 2021 London marathon to raise money for the Stroke Association and for my Aunt Margaret. We were very close, she helped me through some tough times with my health and I remember her very fondly.  She was always so happy, enjoyed life and had the most infectious laugh.

Almost 20 years ago she suffered the first of many strokes which would dramatically change her life.  She partially lost the use of one side of her body, had difficulty walking without aid and worst of all struggled to talk.  With the support of the Stroke Association, she attended a club every couple of weeks and they provided her with a text writing machine for her phone so she could stay in touch with family and friends.  Despite everything she continued to make the most of the cards life had dealt her and rarely without a smile and laugh.

I vividly recall after one series of strokes I went to visit her in hospital.  Despite everything she was still smiling and laughing.  I suggested she was so strong she would get through everything and one day we’d run a marathon together.  Last autumn my Aunt Margaret passed away.  I’m sure she will be beside me every step of the way in October, just not in the way I had hoped.  I can’t think of a better reason to run this marathon.

Your sponsorship would be invaluable in helping others like my Aunt with rebuilding their life after stroke.  It would make me, and her, very proud to know your sponsorship money was helping others after having a stroke.  £80 could allow a a stroke survivor to attend a six week communication computer course, £199 could pay for one hour of Helpline activity, £310 could pay for the initial training and expenses of a befriending volunteer.

I hope you can sponsor me, this is going to be a mental and physical challenge for me.  Knowing I have your support is going to keep me going through those tough times.

Thanks,

Phil