Press release - 15 October 2018 11:40

Havant resident takes on Portsmouth 16k for the Stroke Association

Ash Rowlands, 42, from Havant, is taking on the Simplyhealth Great South Run on Sunday 21 October to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Ash, a father of two, was inspired to take on the 10 mile run after his mum had a stroke in 2016. Ash said: “In August 2016, just a week before my mum’s 66^th birthday, my mum was out cycling in the New Forest with family when she had a stroke.

“The stroke was a huge shock for the whole family. Mum was fit and healthy, we could never imagined life to turn upside down so quickly. The stroke robbed my mum of her plans, her confidence and her personality. Unfortunately in December that year, mum went on to have another stroke. This time the effects of the stroke were far worse, we spent Christmas and New Years in hospital, and she didn’t come home until April.

“When she returned home she couldn’t walk or use her left arm. Thankfully mum is so determined and a fighter; she has learnt to walk again and found new ways to everyday tasks she struggles with, like how to make sandwiches and cups of tea. No matter what though, my mum is still my mum – this new chapter of her life is not one she or anyone would choose, and each is a battle with highs and lows. Mum keeps pushing through, I guess that’s what mums do best!”

Tammy Angus, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time and it turns lives upside down in an instant. Ash’s mum has come so far in her recovery and is a real inspiration to others.

“We’re thrilled he is taking on this challenge to raise much needed funds for the Stroke Association’s work and we’re looking forward to cheering him on as he makes her way through Portsmouth. There are around 1.2 million people in the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke, with the support of people like Ash we will be able to help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Ash, please visit: www.justgiving.com/Ash-Rowlands28

Topics

A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.

Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk