Sisters' run is inspired by dad having a stroke

Louise Garratt, 46, of Nutley Crescent, and her sisters Clare Skeggs, 42, and Catherine Lawless, 48, were inspired to take on the run after their dad Jim had a stroke eight years ago.

Jim, who was a professional musician, was left with right-sided weakness and a communication difficulty called aphasia.

Louise said: “Dad’s stroke didn’t only affect him, it also had a huge impact on our whole family. This experience has inspired us to raise funds for the Stroke Association; I want others affected by stroke to get the support they need.

“I’ve done a few runs in the past, but this one is extra special because it will be a proper family event! To know that Dad will be cheering us on is what will get us over the finish line.”

The Worthing event is a 5k or 10k run being held on the seafront near to Splashpoint leisure centre.

It is one of 31 fundraising Resolution Runs taking place across the UK this spring.

Becky Beard, fundraising manager at the Stroke Association in the South East, said: “There are around 1.2 million people in the UK today living with the impact of stroke, so it’s vital that we have people like Louise, Clare and Catherine who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We can’t wait to cheer them on as they cross the finish line.

“The Resolution Run is the ideal event for people in Worthing who have made a New Year’s resolution to get more active. The events are open to all ages and abilities, and participants can run, jog or walk the routes. We’ll also provide a full training guide to help keep Resolution Runners on track every step of the way.”

At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control and exercising more. The money raised through the Resolution Run will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and help support people affected by stroke in the South East.

To sponsor Louise, Clare and Catherine, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Louise-Garratt4

The entry fee for the Resolution Run is £15. All runners receive a running top and medal.

For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution or email [email protected]

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.