A stroke survivor from Wandsworth is taking part in the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

Cliff Hill, 49, from Moyser Road, Tooting, is taking part in the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run at Clapham Common on Sunday, March 10 to mark a year since his stroke.

Cliff had a stroke in March last year while at a school quiz – and afterwards he was told he was lucky to survive. Had he not taken up running a year before, they said his chances would have been even slimmer.

He will be taking part in the run with his fiancee, Sarah. And he is planning to follow it up in a year’s time with their wedding and his 50th birthday.

Cliff said: “Out of nowhere, all of a sudden I had extreme nausea and vertigo, at a school quiz, I started vomiting and had an intense pain in my head. The stroke was severe,  “After spending six months recovering from the stroke, I went back to work part-time in October.

“A year before my stroke I took up running, and my neurologists and doctors told me that the fitness I had gained through my running was key to having survived my stroke, and also having less physical and cognitive deficits.

“Regaining my fitness has been very important to me. I wanted a way to mark my recovery, and made a promise to myself since day one that I would do so by running on my stroke anniversary. The Stroke Association’s Resolution Run is the perfect way for me to celebrate how much I’ve achieved since my stroke.”

Rebecca Broad, regional 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 London who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2019.

“We’re so glad to hear about Cliff’s recovery after his stroke last year, and will be cheering him on as he makes his way through Clapham Common.

“In the UK there are around 100,000 strokes every year.”

Research from the charity shows that many strokes could be prevented if people made some simple lifestyle changes.

Introducing physical activity into your routine is just one aspect of a healthier lifestyle required to reduce your risk of stroke. Monitoring (and managing) your blood pressure, eating a more balanced diet and stopping smoking can all significantly reduce your stroke risk.

Last year participants raised £633,000 for the Stroke Association This year the charity hopes to raise £850,000. Entry fee is £16. All runners receive a T-shirt and medal.

For more information about entering or volunteering at the run, visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk
email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.