Sheffield stroke survivor to run 5Km for charity

Ruth Oxley, aged 45, from Crosspool, had a stroke on April 1 2016. Her husband Michael found her collapsed in the bathroom.

She was paralysed down her left side. Fortunately, Michael recognised the signs of stroke and called an ambulance immediately, which took her to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

Ruth spent six days recovering in hospital, and her movement came back quickly.

She said: “My stroke has left me with neuropathic pain in my left side and fatigue. I used to experience migraines before my stroke, and now these have worsened.”

Ruth, mum to ten-year-old Ben, is now preparing to take on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run to mark the twelve month milestone in her recovery.

She added: “This is the first time I’ve done anything like this for years so I’ve been walking to train, as jogging can leave me feeling shattered for days afterwards.

“I’m hoping to jog some of the route on the day and I know my husband and son will be there to cheer me on.

“After my stroke I was very lucky to make a good recovery, and received brilliant support from the Community Stroke Team.

“I also used the Stroke Association website for information, and when I was reading stories about other peoples’ experiences, I realised just how devastating stroke can be. The Stroke Association is a great charity and I want to raise funds to help others who aren’t as lucky as me to get the support they need.”

The run will take place on Sunday April 9 at The Knavesmire, York Racecourse.

Sponsor Ruth at www.justgiving.com/Ruth-Oxley.