Nine-year-old stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Press release -

Nine-year-old stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

A nine-year-old stroke survivor from Lowestoft is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 25 February alongside her family, to mark a milestone in her recovery.

In May 2012, Lily Dewbery woke up one morning with weakness down the left side of her body.

Lily’s mother Amanda said: “When I went into Lily’s room that morning I knew that something was terribly wrong. I recognised the signs of a stroke from the adverts you see on TV, but I couldn’t comprehend the thought that my four- year-old daughter could possibly be having one.”

Lily had three mini-strokes (also known as a TIA or transient ischaemic attack) in the week leading up to a major stroke. The stroke left Lily with weakness down the left side of her body.

Amanda said: “Over the past five years, Lily has worked extremely hard to build up her strength again. She has never wanted her stroke to stop her from having fun, and always pushes herself to keep up with her friends. We think she’s absolutely amazing.”

Lily is preparing to take on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run at Catton Park on Sunday 25 February, alongside her mother Amanda.

Lily said: “I am going to take part in the Resolution Run in Norwich to raise money for the Stroke Association, so that they can find out more about how to help children like me who have had a stroke. I’m going to walk as far as I can, and have been exercising to get my body strong so I can do it! I want to raise as much money as possible for the Stroke Association because they helped me and my family.”

George Burroughs, Community and Events Fundraising Manager 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 that Lily and Amanda are taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering them on alongside our other participants as they make 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 East.

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.

To sponsor Lily, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-dewbery2

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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Press Officer National press and Stroke Association research and policy communications 07904 289900
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07812388125
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association

    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK