90% of strokes are preventable

I was honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to work on Marlon’s stroke journey in Emmerdale.

It was a complete eye-opener into the world of a stroke survivor and I will always be in debt to the Stroke Association and the two amazing stroke survivors who helped show what having a stroke is really like for the 100,000 people that have a stroke every year.

There’s 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK and it is still the leading cause of adult disability but many people don’t realise that the vast majority of strokes – around 80-90 per cent in fact – are preventable.

Stroke is still chronically misunderstood by the public and underfunded in terms of research, which is incredible when you consider those stats.

That’s why I’m asking everyone to get involved in this year’s, Great North Run for the Stroke Association

This famous event takes place on Sunday, September 10 and although the general ballot is closed, the Stroke Association still has charity places available.

Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant.

However, with our support, the Stroke Association can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives after stroke.

For more information and to apply for your place, visit www.stroke.org.uk/events/sporting-fundraising/greatnorthrun

Mark Charnock
by email

Picture: Mark Charnock, Picture: ITV/Emmerdale