Kirsteen’s marathon fundraiser for sister, Zoe

Kirsteen, from Halifax will be taking on her very first marathon challenge, the Yorkshire Marathon this October. Kirsteen will be running for her sister, Zoe, who in 2022 unexpectedly suffered a catastrophic and life altering stroke.

Waking up in the middle night, unable to move the right side of her body, Zoe had no idea that she was actually having a stroke. Going to bed that evening as normal and feeling fine, Zoe woke in the early hours of the morning unable to get out of bed and move her right arm and leg.

Alone at the time, Zoe managed to drag herself down the stairs, into the living room, but she couldn’t use the phone to call for an ambulance. It wasn’t until her cleaner arrived around midday that day that she was found.

Zoe was rushed to Calderdale Royal Hospital, where medics fought to save and protect her life. Developing Covid 19 at the same time, Zoe ending up spending ten weeks in hospital while the stroke affected her mobility, speech, energy and so many other areas of her life.

Zoe didn’t know it at the time, but the bleed on her brain had left her with aphasia – a complex communication disorder that impacts speech, reading, writing, and understanding of language.

We caught up with Kirsteen ahead of her marathon challenge so that we could find out more about Zoe’s journey.

“I'm excited to be running the York marathon on the 20th October to raise funds for Zoe. For those who know me, running has always been a passion but usually 3 miles, not 26.2!!

“This marathon is a new challenge for me and it's already proving to be quite a journey. However, every time my legs ache during training or I feel like staying in bed, I remind myself of Zoe's incredible daily determination in her rehabilitation.

“Incredibly, Zoe has now been offered a remarkable opportunity of receiving a new life-changing medical protocol in Mexico. This pioneering new treatment offers significant improvement in speech, communication, mobility and will be instrumental in helping her to get back the very full life she was living before this tragic event.

“Despite this, she has demonstrated incredible resilience and courage as she has embraced her recovery with her sole intention of returning to her career and her life of adventures with her partner, family and friends.

 “The funds raised from my marathon challenge, along with various other donations and fundraisers by myself and so many other people will be used to cover Zoe travel expenses to Mexico, where Zoe will receive extensive treatment for 28 days, as well as accommodation costs during the stay.”

“Zoe is the best big sister anyone could ask for, always there for me, and now its my turn to support her. If running this marathon can help get her the treatment she needs, then I am all in!”

To support Zoe’s fundraising mission, click here

Entries are still open for this year’s Yorkshire Marathon, taking place on Sunday 20th October. To enter and find out more click here