STROKE SURVIVOR ALYSON’S RUN OF KINDNESS
A 31-year-old mother from Hetton-le-Hole was inspired to sign up for a fund-raising activity after surviving two strokes.
Alyson Harding, who spent three nights in Sunderland Royal Hospital last summer as a result of a torn artery in her neck, has signed up for a Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association.
The nursery nurse also wants to raise awareness of stroke in young people.
She had struggled with bad headaches and problems with her sight for over a week when she was at home with her daughter Isabelle, five, in June 2019.
Alyson said: “My eyes went black and my heart was pounding. I thought I was having a panic attack and went to lie down.
“Minutes later, I realised I couldn’t speak and the right side of my face dropped to the side. My right arm went numb and felt like pins and needles.
“I rang 999 for help and ran out into the street banging on my neighbours’ doors for help. I could feel myself drifting while waiting and was so scared.”
Doctors thought her ordeal was a migraine, until her face dropped again while in A&E.
After undergoing tests, she was told that the torn artery had caused two strokes.
Alyson added: “It has changed my life forever. Now, I’m proud to join the resolution and I’m looking forward to taking part in the Resolution
Run as a stroke survivor.
“Since my strokes, I have struggled with PTSD and anxiety and want to take part to help build my confidence and push myself.
“I can call the Stroke Association whenever I need to – it also runs group sessions.
“The support I’ve had from family and friends has been fantastic, especially from my parents (Susan and Barry) and daughter.
“The stroke ward at the hospital is absolutely amazing. I had a scan last week and I’m waiting for the results to find out if the artery in my neck has repaired.”
The 5km Resolution Run she is taking part in is at Exhibition Park, Newcastle, on Sunday, February 23. For more details and to signup, call 0300 3300740 or go to www.resolutionrun.org. uk/newcastle
To make a donation to Alyson, go online to www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ alyson-harding-resolutionrun-newcastle-2020