AN Alcester man is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run - less than six months after a life-changing stroke.

Chris O’Brien, 32, was at home in October 2017 when he lost his sight briefly and felt a sharp pain in his head, before vomiting and feeling disorientated.

The father of one said: “There were no classic stroke symptoms, so I didn’t think too much of it and didn’t do anything to begin with.

"Three days later, I was still feeling unwell so I went to my GP who suspected I might have had a stroke. I was sent to Warwick Hospital where I had a CT scan, which confirmed my worst fears.”

Chris’s stroke has affected his sight and speech, and also left him with memory problems as well as severe fatigue.

However, Chris has since returned to his role as a funeral director and has vowed to take on the Stroke Association’s 5km Resolution Run at Arrow Valley Country Park, Redditch, on February 25.

He’ll be joined by his 15-year-old son Lennon, who will take part in the 15km run.

Chris said: “I struggle to find the right words and often get them jumbled up. It’s so frustrating but I’m determined not to let it beat me.

"For me, it’s all about a positive attitude and I’m not going to let my stroke hold me back.”

He added: “I’m walking a lot more with my dog Benji and trying to build up my strength and stamina in the lead up to the event. On the day, I’ll be taking on the Resolution Run at a jog or walking pace. I want to inspire other stroke survivors to pick themselves up and not let the condition defeat them."

Claire Weaver, from the Stroke Association, said: “A Resolution Run is exactly that – a resolution for the new year that counts. It's the ideal event for people who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2018."

Money raised through the Resolution Runs will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in the West Midlands.

For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit stroke.org.uk/resolution or email resolution@stroke.org.uk.