Local Resident Braves Half Marathon to raise funds for Stroke Charity

Andrea, 59, from Auchtertool is taking on the Great North Run Half Marathon for the Stroke Association. She is doing it as part of her target to run two half marathons as she turns 60 this year.

Andrea, also former Director Scotland of the Stroke Association, is passionate about the cause and firmly believes there should be more awareness of stroke and greater funding to support research and people affected by stroke.

Andrea says:

“Five of my family members have experienced a stroke and alongside working for the Stroke Association I know how little people understand about this devastating condition which affects the whole family. It can affect peoples’ mobility, speech and how they think and feel. Yet stroke is preventable and more can be done to improve stroke recovery. I support the Stroke Associations drive for improvements to be made across the whole stroke journey. The charity funds research in Scotland and provides fantastic support across the UK and I want to see that continue, because I have seen the benefits it brings to so many.”

Andrea is training hard for her half marathon, getting up early to go for a run, and keeping active playing golf, gardening and looking after her two young grandchildren.

John Watson, Associate Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said:

“There are about 11,000 strokes in Scotland ever year and over 128,000 people living with the condition. This number is expected to rise, which is why stroke survivors need specialist support to help them rebuild their lives again. We believe that everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke and we’re grateful to Andrea for taking on this famous challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

The Great North Run is one of the biggest and best half marathons in the world and attracts runners of abilities, who are looking for that perfect challenge. This year’s run will take place on Sunday 11 September.

Andrea says:

“I’m really looking forward to my half marathon challenge. I am a little nervous, but believe I’ve got it in me to run over the finish line.”

Go to Andrea’s Just Giving page at: http://www.justgiving.com/Andrea-Cail3.