Hello! My name is Maisie and I'm running the Leeds Half Marathon on May 10th 2026 to raise funds for Ilkley Sroke Club. This small, local, volunteer-led group has been an incredible support for my Grandad's stroke recovery and my family. Let us tell you the story...

In 2020, in the midst of COVID-19, my Grandad survived a quite severe stroke. Since being treated in hospital and working hard to recover, the stroke has still had a detrimental effect on his physical and mental capabilities, damaging the right side of his body and creating huge difficulties with completing everyday tasks that we often take for granted.

The Ilkley Stroke Club, currently run by Joan Lawrence, has been an incredible support for him since returning home and being discharged from hospital. The club meet every second Friday of the month, offering a space for stroke survivors to talk about their expeirences, join in with a range activities, and get out of the house for a few hours. It also provides their carers with some vital 'me time'; a rare opportuntity to switch off knowing their loved ones are looked after and enjoying themselves.

Any donations will be used to support the longevity of the club and the quality of the sessions that can be delivered, such as by enabling speech therapists, exercise coaches, or music groups to be brought in to run sessions with the members. As a small, voluntary group, the Stroke Club are not able to access grants or other charitable income streams beyond fundrasing for themselves, so any and all donations are always greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

(And if you're free on 10th May, why not pop over to Leeds to watch the race - I'll hopefully run past you!)