A LOVING wife from Bracknell will be taking part in the Resolution Run after her husband suffers from a stroke.

Victoria Gater will be taking part in the run to raise money for the Stroke Association on Sunday, March 24 at the Black Park Country Park in Slough.

Mrs Gater made the decision after her husband Mark had a stroke last year, which left him in a coma for several weeks. He spent six weeks in hospital and five months in rehabilitation.

Victoria said: “I am proud to be running in the Resolution Run for my husband Mark. After his stroke we felt completely isolated and lost.

“As a family, it has turned our lives completely upside down in every way. Mark was such a strong man and a real social butterfly, so to see him lose that has been one of the hardest things.”

Research from the Stroke Association shows that strokes could be prevented if people made simple changes in their life, including introducing physical activity.

Sara Betsworth, head of stroke support at the Stroke Association, said: “In the UK there are around 100,000 strokes every year.

“Our latest research shows that by training and taking part in a Resolution Run, you are helping to lower your stroke risk.

“The funds raised by each runner means we can reach out to more stroke survivors and their families to offer the support that they may need to rebuild their lives.”

Last year participants raised over £633,000 for the charity and so far, Victoria has raised £800.

Victoria added: “Our support coordinator Steph, from the Stroke Association, has been a breath of fresh air and calmness when we needed it most.

“She has provided amazing advice and found a buddy for Mark too who is also a stroke survivor. He has been a hugely positive influence and really challenges Mark to improve.”

Entry into the race is £16, for more information about the Resolution Run visit: www.resolutionrun.org.uk.