Guernsey stroke survivor to take on London Landmarks Half Marathon

A Guernsey woman who had a stroke aged 20 is donning her running shoes to raise funds to support other stroke survivors.

Vicki Hewlett will be joined by her best friend Sarah Buddery when she tackles the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 6 April. 

The trek will be in aid of the Stroke Association, which plans to launch community support groups in Guernsey soon.

Vicki was living in Essex when she had her stroke in July 2015 and experienced the charity's support first-hand.

“My stroke left me with no feeling on the left side of my body including my face; rendering me unable to walk, speak or even smile.

"Fortunately, I was able to make a full recovery, but for a lot of people, this can result in a very different outcome.

"The Stroke Association were a huge support to me and my family, at a time of immense struggle and uncertainty.

"So it was a no-brainer that we chose them to mark this ten-year milestone.”

The cause of Vicki’s stroke was diagnosed as a PFO - often known as a hole in the heart - which allows blood clots to travel up to the brain. She has since had an operation to close it.

She had to give up her career as a riding instructor and now works as a learning and development officer with the Channel Islands Cooperative Society in St Peter Port.

“I have luckily regained most of what I had before, but the fear of something going wrong again is still always there.

"I still have some numbness in my left pointer finger and at least once a week I will drop a cup of tea or something. 

“I am now in an extremely good place in my life, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and about to get married to the love of my life in July this year.”

Vicki and Sarah are hoping to raise £1,000 for the charity.

Sonya Webb from the Stroke Association says they are grateful for the support and cited to help the GUernsey community in the future.

“Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters. 

“This is an exciting time for the Stroke Association as we’re preparing to launch community support groups in Guernsey, bringing together stroke survivors and carers on the island.  

“We’ll be working with other support providers including Headway Guernsey, UnLtd at the Ron Short Centre, and the local health teams. We’re looking forward to sharing more news about this soon.”