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So, friends, I have decided to enter the Bristol 10 K and raise money for the great local charity that I work for, Bristol After Stroke.
I have never done this sort of thing before, but several things have motivated me to take this on.
Firstly, I started this year doing the NHS 0- 5 k podcast and it had quite a positive effect making me think if I can do 5, can I do 10? This is the type of positive thinking caused by exercise – beware!
Secondly as most of you will know last year I had breast cancer and thankfully and hopefully it has been treated well and I have found running strangely compelling, I guess it has helped reclaim the health territory that subconsciously you feel you have lost and it has genuinely made me feel more positive.
Thirdly I am also 50 this year so call it a mid-life crisis.
But fourthly and most importantly I have been inspired by one of Bristol After Stroke’s volunteers. Len had a stroke in 2015 and life hasn’t been easy but he has spoken at events, come on the radio with me, volunteered at lots of our groups and cafés. This year is the charity’s 35th anniversary and he said he would enter the 10k for us to try and raise money. Now Len has had another health set back but has said he still wants to do the 10k! So I feel compelled to join him he's such an inspiration.
I can’t imagine the challenge involved in learning to walk, talk or write again, or how a stroke can shake your confidence in life, but if anything the last year has taught me it is that unexpected things happen and when they do having support there to help you through, be that friends, family or the support of a charity when you need it, is just so important.
So thanks for reading my story and if you can spare some money to support Bristol After Stroke I would really appreciate it. THANK YOU.
