Laura Buchanan, 41, from Edinburgh, will be taking part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon later this month (Sunday 26 May,) raising funds for the Stroke Association.
Laura’s husband Craig (42,) had a severe stroke 18 months ago. He was left unable to walk and with limited speech, and the family were told to prepare for the worst.
After three weeks at The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Craig was transferred to The Astley Ainslie hospital where he underwent intensive therapy for 9 weeks.
With the help of NHS physiotherapy, occupational health and speech and language, 5 days a week, Craig was quickly able to begin to make small improvements. Through sheer grit and determination, Craig continued to recover.
After three months, he walked out of hospital with the help of a tripod – an incredible achievement, and one they’d never imagine he would make. Craig has gone from strength to strength and has now gone back to work, working 12 hours a week.
He has a very supportive family and an amazing group of friends; their support was massively important in his rehabilitation.
Laura said: “I’m absolutely not a runner. I am doing this for my husband, and the Stroke Association. Craig never complains, he just gets on with it. Before the stroke, I didn’t think it would have been possible to love Craig any more than I did, turns out I was wrong. I am in awe of everything he does and so proud to be his wife. When training is hard my mantra is, if he can learn to walk, I can learn to run.
“I knew nothing about strokes, until this happened. Having a stroke is a terrible thing, turning peoples’ lives upside down. I want others to know a stroke could happen to them. Even if you are young, a stroke doesn’t discriminate. By raising awareness, I hope more people will look out for the signs and symptoms of a stroke, no matter what age.”
Claire Pell, Product Officer at the Stroke Association said: “A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, and changes life in an instant.
“About a quarter of strokes happen to people of working age. Fortunately, it is treatable and recoverable, but it is often a long and slow recovery, and the impact can be lifelong. With the help of our fundraisers like Laura, we can help many more stroke survivors rebuild their lives again.
“What Laura is doing is admirable. Attempting a half marathon is no mean feat. The hard work that Laura is putting into this now, and on the day, will be a huge effort of respect to Craig. Thank you, Laura, for raising all the funds you have so far.
“Your fundraising efforts will help raise awareness, fund research, and support people who have had a stroke and their families.”
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