Cllr Cahal Burke, Lib Dem Member for Lindley Ward, has completed the Resolution 15k Run for the second time now at Cheshire’s Tatton Park on Sunday 11 November 2012.

Cllr Cahal Burke said:

“I completed the Resolution 15k run last year and decided to go for it again. It is a worthy cause which is important to me as I have had family members who have suffered from a stroke and this is my way of contributing to the Stroke Association charity.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me in the 15K Run and the charity.

Every year, over 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), that’s one person every five minutes. Furthermore, there is the misconception that stroke only affects older people, however, in reality, 25% of strokes occur in people under the age of 65 and much can be done. Therefore, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of completing the 15K Run for the second time now.

Not all strokes can be prevented, but every little bit we can do as individuals will help The Stroke Association to invest more towards reducing the lasting effects of stroke on the lives of patients and their families.”

A stroke doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any time in their life. Strokes are sudden and their consequences can be devastating. The Stroke Association is the only UK charity solely concerned with helping everyone affected by stroke. The Stroke Association are working for a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need.

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is often called a mini stroke or mild stroke. The symptoms are very similar to those of a full-blown stroke, but they only last for a short time, anything from a few minutes up to 24 hours. If you have had a TIA you will recover completely within about a day. If your symptoms have lasted longer than 24 hours, you may have had a stroke rather than a TIA.

A TIA is a sign that part of your brain is not getting enough blood and you are at risk of having a stroke in the future. Each year around 46,000 people in the UK have their first TIA.

Further information can be obtained about what practical, emotional and financial support is available at the website for the Stroke Association: http://www.stroke.org.uk