​Local women join the resolution for the Stroke Association

Mindy Cowap, 45 from Little Budworth, is helping to rebuild lives after stroke, by taking part in two Resolution Runs in aid of the Stroke Association.

Mindy will be joined by her friend and business partner Emma Wilson, at the Resolution Run events at Heaton Park in Manchester on Sunday 08 March and Anderton Boat Lift in Northwich on Sunday 05 April. Together they will take part in the events, and Emma of Emma Wilson Fitness will also lead the warm ups for the participants on the day.

The duo were inspired to support the Stroke Association after Mindy’s mother Hazel had a major stroke while on holiday in 2015.

Mindy said: “My mum had a subarachnoid haemorrhage in September 2015 whilst we were abroad. She was put into an induced coma for over a month in Mallorca whilst they drained the fluids from her skull. Eventually she was flown back to the UK from where they began intense rehabilitation. Six months after the stroke she finally went home to live with my step dad again.

“Unfortunately there has been a lot of damage to her brain, which has brought on vascular dementia and a drastic personality change. She does have a sense of humour, but is now child-like in her manner toward everything. She tries her best, but gets very confused and sometimes upset by her lack of understanding.

“My mum’s world has become very small and confusing. She was an intelligent, kind, vibrant woman with whom I could seek good counsel. It’s so sad to see her lost in the world that she once thrived in.

“I’m proud to join the resolution and run the Resolution Run for my mum, and hopefully help others to rebuild their lives after stroke.”

Emma and Mindy have created ‘My Time for Change’, an online platform for women aged 35+ that helps support their health and wellbeing through a unique food and fitness programme. Emma will use her expertise to lead the warm up for all the runners at the Resolution Run event, as well as taking part. Find out more here www.emmawilsonfitness.co.uk / mytimeforchange.co.uk.

Liv Simpson, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke recovery is a marathon not a sprint. And each recovery is as individual as each survivor. That’s why we’re encouraging people to join our Resolution Run events across the North West and raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

“Life after stroke is different for us all, but there is one way we can stand together. The Resolution Run is the perfect opportunity to mark a milestone in your own stroke recovery, show your support for a friend or family member affected by stroke, or in memory of a loved one. You can run, walk or cheer and choose your distance to suit you. It’s more than a run, it’s a resolution to help rebuild lives after stroke.”

There are 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK living with devastating wide-ranging disabilities such as speech difficulties, memory loss and mental health issues. The Stroke Association provides specialist support, funds critical research and campaigns to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

Entry fee is just £15 and runners can choose their distance from a range of distances depending on location. Walk or run, all participants will receive a medal waiting at the finish line. To join the resolution, visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.