On a Sunday morning at the end of June 2023, I was at a spin class and I had a stroke. The 18 months since have been a rollercoaster of physical and mental repair, as I try to get back to my old self or at least learn to live with and accept the “new me”. 

One thing is for certain - I could not have gotten through this exceptionally difficult time without the incredible support of my partner, family, friends, the NHS care team and work. Yet some of the people I have encountered on my recovery journey are not so fortunate and it is for them that I am running the Brighton half marathon.

To the people suffering from a stroke and aphasia as a result, that do not have the strongest of support networks: I see you and I run for you. My dad, who sadly passed away while I was recovering, deserves a special mention too - running the Brighton half marathon is just the kind of thing you would have done dad and so thank you for the inspiration, this one is for you also  

Thanks so much for donating if you are able to.x

Ian Mitchell