Dorset mother takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Julie Thomson, 45, from Bournemouth is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 25 March, to mark a milestone in her recovery from a life-changing stroke.

In March 2011, Julie began to feel dizzy, suddenly had a severe migraine and lost feeling down one side of her body. Whilst being taken to hospital, Julie started to lose her vision.

Julie said: “The feeling was very strange. It was a normal day and I was feeling absolutely fine until I bent down to change my shoes. It suddenly came over me so quickly. My daughter Isabel, was only four years old at the time. It was a really frightening time for us all.”

Julie’s stroke was caused by a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a trapdoor-like flap in her heart that can cause blood clots, which lead to strokes. The stroke has left Julie with problems with her peripheral vision.

Julie said: “If someone were to throw something to me, I would completely miss it unless I turn my head. I’ve really worked hard on this, though, and now I can play badminton, which after my stroke seemed completely impossible”

“I now live life to the fullest. I don’t turn down an opportunity to have fun with my friends and family, don’t take life for granted and take more day trips out with my daughter. I have snorkeled and scuba-dived with thousands of fish in the Egyptian Red Sea, and recently tandem-paraglided off a mountain in Austria!

“I’ve convinced my three friends and my daughter Isabel to join me at the Resolution Run. We’re training together and having lots of fun in the lead up to the big day. I’m really looking forward to that feeling of getting to the finish line with my daughter and friends.”

Hayley Ali, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “A Resolution Run is exactly that – a resolution for the New Year that counts. It's the ideal event for people who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2018.

“Every five minutes in the UK, someone’s life is turned upside down by stroke. By signing up to a Resolution Run, each runner will help us do so much more to support stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives. We’re thrilled Julie is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she makes their way through the park.”

At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control, eating healthily and taking regular exercise. The money raised through the Resolution Runs will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the South West.

To sponsor Julie, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amethystladies

Entry fee is just £16. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit http://www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.