Stroke survivor to run a ‘half’ for charity
A woman who had a stroke at the age of 20 will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon next month to raise funds for the Stroke Association.
Vicki Hewlett will be running with her best friend Sarah Buddery in the event on 6 April.
It comes as the association announces plans to launch community support groups in Guernsey.
Guernsey-born Miss Hewlett moved to the UK at the age of 16 to work with horses, but 10 years ago she had a stroke. She returned to the island in 2020.
‘My stroke left me with no feeling on the left side of my body including my face, rendering me unable to walk, speak or even smile,’ she said.
‘Fortunately, I was able to make a full recovery, but for a lot of people this can result in a very different outcome.’
Given the support she received from the Stroke Association at the time, she said it was a ‘no-brainer’ to choose them to mark her 10-year milestone.
‘The Stroke Association’s stroke support helpline was such a huge support for me and my family. When I was panicking or worried, there was always someone to reassure us or signpost at the other end of the phone. They made me and my family feel like we were supported and not alone.’
Mrs Buddery had planned to run in the event six years ago but pulled out when her mother became unwell.
Her husband David will also be running, for the Calm (Campaign Against Living Miserably) charity.
So far the two women have raised more than £950 and hope to break their target of £1,000.
Stroke Association engagement lead for the South West and Channel Islands Sonya Webb said it was grateful to the two Guernsey women for their fundraising on behalf of the group.
‘This is an exciting time for the Stroke Association as we’re preparing to launch community support groups in Guernsey, bringing together stroke survivors and carers on the island,’ she said.
‘We’ll be working with other support providers including Headway Guernsey, UnLtd at the Ron Short Centre, and the local health teams.’
It would be sharing more information about its plans soon.
To find out more about Vicki Hewlett and Sarah Buddery’s challenge or to donate, go to their fundraising page.
