Marathon Mum takes on biggest challenge yet, recovering from stroke

Now stroke survivor Carole Fortune is determined to give back to the charity that changed her life.

Article Source: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Last Updated: 17 September 2020 14:51

MARATHON MUM TAKES ON BIGGEST CHALLENGE YET, RECOVERING FROM STROKE

Now stroke survivor Carole is determined to give back to the charity that changed her life

Carole Fortune’s life changed forever last October when she had a stroke. Carole woke up on the bedroom floor unable to move and didn’t know what had happened to her. Her first thought was that she had overdone things in the gym the night before, but she soon realised that she had no feeling down her left side. Full of panic she shouted on her daughter who quickly realised that her mum was having a stroke and immediately called 999.

Carole, age 56, from Edinburgh who will take on her 16th London marathon for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland in October, said:

“I woke up on my bedroom floor and couldn’t push myself up. I knew something was seriously wrong when I had no feeling at all in my left arm and leg, it was terrifying. I was so relieved that my daughter Jade was in the house when this happened as she often stays with her boyfriend at the weekends. I don’t know what I would have done if she wasn’t home. She could clearly see that my face had drooped and knew I was having a stroke and that she needed to call an ambulance right away.”

At this point Carole wouldn’t have believed that in less than a year she would be taking on the Virgin London Marathon, all to raise money for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

Carole recovered well because she was in good shape and because she got to hospital so quickly which improved her chances. Carole worked hard to rebuild her physical strength using furniture to walk with to now being able to run again, but she was struggling mentally and was very afraid and scared of having another stroke.

Thankfully, she started to receive help from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Stroke Nurse Thomas Jones. Thomas started visiting Carole regularly and was able to help and support her and ease her worries. Carole, who continues to work as a Beauty Therapist explains just how important this help was to her recovery,

“After you have a stroke, your head is swimming with questions and so many worries and I was suffering from a lot of anxiety.

Thomas was absolutely brilliant. He helped me come to terms with this major thing that had just interrupted my life. He is so knowledgeable and answered all my questions I had about my stroke.

Since the stroke, I have struggled with my voice. I found that I spoke too fast and I couldn’t help saying too much in one sentence then I was gasping for air. I couldn’t speak loudly or clearly, making it difficult for me to join in conversations. Thomas arranged speech therapy sessions and the exercises helped with my confidence.

He also arranged physiotherapist sessions as I have a weakness in my left shoulder girdle and that gave me exercises to strengthen it. I still struggle from time to time in certain situations with anxiety, but Thomas still supports me.”

A year on from her stroke, Carole is now taking on a massive physical challenge to raise funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland,

“It’s now been a year since I faced the biggest challenge of my life, recovering from my stroke, and I’m determined to give back to the charity that changed my life.

That’s why I decided to challenge myself to run the virtual London Marathon to help other stroke survivors like me. Not only is it 26.2 miles it has almost 5,000 ft elevation as I am running over the Pentland Hills to Dolphinton.

I hope as many people as possible donate what they can, so that Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland can still be there for people like me who really need their help and services.”

Lawrence Cowan, Director of Fundraising, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said:

"Carole is an inspiration. To be taking on such a difficult challenge, and especially after having a stroke just a year ago is incredible.

"Carole is the embodiment of no life half lived and that's what Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is all about. We want people to do more than survive after a stroke, we want them to really live."

If you would like to support Carole and donate to her incredible challenge, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Carole-FORTUNE

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December

Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.

Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft

Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.

WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4

Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.

Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens

Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.

Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza

If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!

Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts

An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.

Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Santas little helpers, assemble

Santa Paws, in partnership with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, is calling out for the city’s dogs to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most dogs in Christmas jumpers.

The Entertainer opens brand new store in Edinburgh

Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.

Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows

Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.

Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign and nominations are now open.

Volunteer Centre East Lothian reopens just in time for the season of goodwill

The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) have thrown open their doors after an extensive renovation and are welcoming back local residents, volunteers and community groups.

Newtongrange Primary School pupils reap the benefits of outdoor learning with a newly extended playground

Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment.

Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey

Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Edinburghs Hogmanay reveals International Partnership & Artist Exchange Programme with Basque Country

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill.

The Main Course: Serving Up a Slice of Italy in the Heart of Gullane this Christmas

Planning a Christmas lunch with colleagues, a family gathering or a relaxed night out with friends? The Main Course offers comfort, warmth and a menu that brings people back year after year.

Hamish Hawk commission comes to life with Edinburgh International Book Festival first ever record release

Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces that Life in a Scotch Sitting-room, Vol. 0, a limited-edition LP by Scottish indie songwriter Hamish Hawk, will be released on 5th December.

SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh unveils New Years Eve event and festive offering

This festive season, SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh is elevating its celebrations with two unforgettable experiences that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.

Vault City launches festive, Quaffable Treats, beer box inspired by Christmas chocolate tins

An Edinburgh brewery has created the 'perfect gift' for beer lovers this Christmas, inspired by the chocolates people hunt for first in the tin.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline free weekend of celebrations with Christmas ceilidh and market

The Ross Bandstand sparked festivities on Sunday with its opening Light Night Concert, and now has a jam-packed Scottish weekend in store of free events in honour of St Andrew's Day.

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Leading the charge! Edinburgh car retailer hosts electric vehicle experience

John Clark Volvo Edinburgh is celebrating after its first EV Customer Experience Evening was a success with local drivers.

Six of the Best: Iconic concerts that rocked Murrayfield as the famous stadium turns 100

Scottish Gas Murrayfield has hosted some of the biggest shows Scotland has ever seen – and fans have had their say on the standouts.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Marathon Mum takes on biggest challenge yet, recovering from stroke

Now stroke survivor Carole Fortune is determined to give back to the charity that changed her life.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings