It is 20 years since my mother died suddenly of a stroke, age 62.

Since that time, vital research has improved the outcome for stroke sufferers and has prevented death and distress. I should very much like to make a small contribution to the important work of The Stroke Association to enable better preventative and rehabilitative outcomes.

There are over 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK, with 100,000 strokes happening in the UK each year. That's one stroke every five minutes.

I am not a natural runner, I had to be chased around the 1500m track at school by a very alarming games mistress. I am going to give this my all, albeit I will not be a gazelle. I should be very grateful for any support you might give.