Swindon stroke survivor takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

Emma George, 43, from Swindon is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run at Lydiard Park on Sunday 15 April to mark 12 years since stroke changed her life.

Mum of two, Emma, had a stroke in November 2005, just weeks after her youngest son Harry was born. The stroke left her with permanent weakness on the left side of her body and affected the vision in both her eyes.

Emma said: “I was feeding my eldest son, Patrick, who was two years old at the time. All of a sudden the strangest sensation came over me. I had a severe pain in my head and suddenly felt a wave of weakness through my body. I dropped the food on the floor and I shouted to my mum who was in the kitchen. I knew I was having a stroke, I could feel that my face had dropped on one side. Mum took one look at me and quickly dialled 999.

“No one can believe I had a stroke when I was only in my thirties and this has made me really passionate about raising awareness of stroke. I want more people to understand that a stroke can strike at any time and at any age.

“My stroke happened so quickly and completely out of the blue. I felt as though my life had been turned upside down in an instant and I was left a different person. At first I found it really difficult to come to terms with life after my stroke. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey, but I’m proud of where I am today.

“Taking part in the Resolution Run to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association will be a big challenge for me - my left side needs a push every so often. But, I’m doing this to show other stroke survivors that there is life after stroke and not to give up.”

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 Swindon 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 Emma is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she 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 Swindon 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 www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.