Septuagenarian stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Tom Handley, 72, from Exmouth, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 25 February, just five months after having a stroke.

Tom said: “I discovered running at the age of 68, and since then I have completed over 120 parkruns. I ran my first Stroke Association’s Resolution Run in Escot Park last February. At the time I didn’t have a connection to stroke, but I’m always interested in joining local running events.

“Then in September 2017 I had a stroke while undergoing a heart operation. The care given by the Royal Devon and Exeter stroke support team, and the resources made available through the Stroke Association, were fantastic. I shall be forever grateful to both.

“The heart operation and stroke have set me back a great deal, but I am now progressing well with my recovery. Running this year’s Stroke Association Resolution Run at Escot Park is now a fundamental part of my rehabilitation, and I’m greatly looking forward to participating. It’s a challenging goal for me to work towards, but I’m determined to push myself and be proud of what I’ve achieved at the end of the day.”

Jen Robinson-Slater, 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 in Exeter 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 Tom is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering him on alongside our other participants as he 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 Run in Exeter will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the South West.

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 Tom, please visit: www.justgiving.com/companyteams/HandleyStroke2018