Laura resolves to help charity

Laura Lamont was in the same room when Martin Lamont suddenly became unwell in April.

But thankfully her quick-thinking meant he was rushed to Forth Valley Royal Hospital and was able to get immediate treatment.

After one week in the stroke ward at the Larbert hospital he was able to return home where his recuperation and rehabilitation is continuing.

Now Laura (28) is determined to help the Stroke Association in Scotland raise awareness of the condition, as well as fundraising for research, by taking part in a virtual Resolution Run 10k.

She is determined to help by making people aware that strokes can happen in younger people – and she also wants to help others affected by stroke to help improve recoveries.

Laura said: “Martin had been sitting talking to my mum and I when I saw his face was drooping at one side. The next thing he just fell over on the couch.

“We phoned for an ambulance and he was taken to FVRH where he was able to get a clot-busting drug. He spent two days in intensive care before being moved to a ward.”

However, it was at the height of the pandemic and the family were unable to visit him.

“We did Facetime him with the help of the nursing staff, but it wasn’t easy because his speech had been affected,” she added.

Martin, who like Laura is a support worker with Scottish Autism, returned to the family home where Laura and parents, Kim and Grant, are helping him with his daily rehabilitation.

Laura said: “He is getting regular physio and is working with speech therapists.

“He is improving every day but still gets very fatigued. He is still off work and we’re not sure when he will be going back.

“Martin was fit and healthy so this was completely out of the blue. Everyone has been so supportive of him that when I heard about the Resolution Run then I thought that was a way I could help give back.”

The virtual run means you can do it whenever and wherever you want – a local park, when you are out walking the dog or even at home.

To find out more or take part visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk.