Manchester Marathon for the Stroke Association

As many of you may know, I suffered from a stroke in January. This unfortunately happened on my girlfriend (Robyn's) birthday which was just like any other ordinary day, we went out for a Sunday roast and then had a chilled evening. After going to sleep and waking up at roughly 9am, Robyn asked me what the time was, immediately I tried to check my watch on my left arm but couldn't move it. Initially, I did not think anything of it and thought I must have just slept on it funny and it was dead. However, after trying to move, my left leg was also paralysed. At first, this felt like a dream and I thought this can't be real so attempted to force myself up by putting weight on my right foot first to try and stand. As soon as I attempted to stand my full body gave way and I collapsed on the floor, hitting my head off the wall in the process. That's when it hit home that I have had a stroke. Trying to speak to Robyn my speech was slurred and face had drooped, she immediately called 999 and in around 30 mins the ambulance arrived and took me to hospital.

From that moment onwards, every worker at Salford Royal hospital were amazing! From the paramedics who took me to hospital, to the nurses on the ward and doctors at the hospital, everything was efficient and professional. I arrived at the hospital with an hour to spare to be eligible for the thrombolysis (anti blood clotting) treatment. If any of the process within getting to hospital, checking into A&E, having CT scans on my brain and the doctor going through the results with me were delayed, I would have only been eligible to receive aspirin as treatment and would more than likely not be able to walk to this current day.

At the time, myself and my family/friends were confused, shocked and none of it even felt real, my main worry was will the left side of my body be fully paralysed for life? Will I be able to exercise again? Words can't describe the feeling of looking at a part of your body wanting it to move and nothing happening.

Luckily, my body reacted amazingly to the treatment and within a few hours after arriving at the hospital I could move my toes. Overnight, I improved even further and by the next day I could walk again.

All of this is due to the quick actions and professionalism from the Stroke department in Salford Royal which I will be forever grateful for. I am now back running regularly and have been diagnosed with a hole in my heart requiring surgery which I am currently awaiting.

Me and Robyn have decided to run Manchester Marathon on the 27th April to raise money for the stroke association. Furthermore, to raise awareness for young stroke victims across the country who haven't been as lucky as myself.

Any donations are massively appreciated. Thanks!