Nina takes it all in her stride for The Stroke Association

10 November 2008

Nina Rees, aged 26, was striding out for stroke when she ran this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon on 19 October in aid of The Stroke Association. 

In 1997 Nina’s father Bryan Rees aged just 43 had a stroke. The family was told by Doctors that he was unlikely to make a full recovery and that he may never walk or drive again. Nina says: “At the time I didn’t even know what a stroke was, let alone that it could lead to such devastating effects – the whole family was left in shock.” 

Thankfully ten years on Nina’s father is now driving, walking with the aid of a stick and has returned to work in spite of his stroke. Nina tells us that her father’s determination was remarkable and he worked really hard during his physiotherapy sessions and at The Stroke Association’s Support Groups, in order to get better.

Nina says: “My family received great support from The Stroke Association and my dad thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from group sessions he attended at that time. I think the charity do a great job in supporting families and raising awareness of strokes.”

Nina chose to run the Cardiff Half Marathon 2008 for a second year running in aid of The Stroke Association. She feels it is one way of helping to make sure that other families who are affected by stroke receive the support they need, just like her family did. 

“Last year when I ran the Cardiff Half Marathon I received such support from The Stroke Association, who kept in touch and gave me lots of advice on fundraising that I wanted to run for them again. I want to not only better my time of 2 hours and 20 minutes but I have also increased my fundraising target, and am hoping to raise £350 this year” she said. “I hope that by running for The Stroke Association I will continue to raise awareness of strokes and The Stroke Association and raise lots of money for a great cause. The Cardiff Half Marathon is a great event with a brilliant atmosphere and I would recommend it to anyone.”