I was honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to work on Marlon's stroke journey.

It was a complete eye opener into the world of a stroke survivor and I will always be in debt to the Stroke Association and the two amazing stroke survivors who helped show what having a stroke is really like for the 10,000 people who have a stroke every year in Scotland.

There’s 128,000 stroke survivors in Scotland, and it is still the leading cause of adult disability. Many people don’t realise that the vast majority of strokes – around 80-90% in fact - are preventable.

Stroke is still chronically misunderstood by the public and underfunded in terms of research, which is incredible when you consider those stats. That’s why I’m asking everyone to get involved in this year’s, Great North Run for the Stroke Association.

This famous event takes place on Sunday, September 10 and although the general ballot is closed, the Stroke Association still has charity places available!

Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant. However, with our support, the Stroke Association can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives after stroke.

For more information and to apply for your place, visit www.stroke.org.uk/events/sporting-fundraising/greatnorthrun

Thank you,

Mark Charnock