AN Alton mum is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run in London next month to mark a milestone in her recovery from a life-changing stroke.

Emily Nicholls, 39, the mum of two boys, was on a train travelling home from London in February last year when she had a stroke.

She said: “Sitting on a packed commuter train, I suddenly lost feeling down the right side of my body. My vision then went in my right eye, and I had no idea what was happening to me.

“Thankfully, the help I received from strangers that night saved my life. From the man who sat next to me and asked me if I needed help, to the man who spoke to my husband on the phone, the guard who called for a doctor on the train, the doctor who identified I was having a stroke, to the lady who came with me in the ambulance and held my hand – their actions will never leave me and still amaze me each day.

“I’m also so grateful to have had the support from my family and friends, especially my husband Paul. Paul has been my rock throughout this, he’s supported me every step of the way.”

According to Emily, while “not the world’s best runner”, after her stroke she felt compelled to sign up and support the Stroke Association by taking part in a Resolution Run.

Emily is a coach for a local karate club and feels that sport has helped in her recovery.

“I feel that sport has helped me to stay active and help my nerve-ending damage and to keep going whenever and whereever possible.”

Since going public on social media about her intention to run the Resolution Run on March 11, she managed to raise more than £1,500 in just five days and is determined to raise more.

“I want to raise vital funds for the charity and help other families affected by stroke to get the support they need,” she said.

Emma Evans, events manager at the Stroke Association, explained the idea behind the Resolution Run.

“It is exactly that – a resolution for the New Year that counts,” she said. “It’s the ideal event for people 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 Emily is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she makes her 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 Runs will help the Stroke Association fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the South.

The entry fee is £16 and all runners receive a technical running T-shirt and medal.

To enter or volunteer for the Resolution Run, visit stroke.org.uk/resolution,

e-mail [email protected], or call 0300 330 0740.

To sponsor Emily, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/emily-nics.

n A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, which is around one stroke every five minutes. There are more than 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.

The Stroke Association funds research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke.

The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. For more details, visit stroke.org.uk.