Volunteer Len's challenge to run the Bristol 10k this year!

Bristol After Stroke volunteer, Len Osgood, challenges himself and others to run the Bristol 10k this year

Len Osgood, from Shirehampton, suffered a stroke when he returned home from work in July 2015, when his legs gave way as he travelled up the stairs. After collapsing, Len was taken to Southmead Hospital Bristol where he was told he had suffered a stroke and was placed on medication.

Len was a keen runner and motorbike enthusiast and was left devastated when his recovery meant that he was unable to keep doing the hobbies he loved. Due to being inactive and staying at home, Len's mental health began to suffer, and he was referred to counselling sessions at Bristol After Stroke, a local charity that focuses on both physical and psychological aftercare. Len, 66, suffered from anxiety and depression but had his life transformed by the aftercare team and as his confidence increased, he felt able to take up running again and saw a complete change in his mental health. He decided to sign up to the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k on Sunday 13 May after taking on the event four years ago, in the hope of raising money for Bristol After Stroke to repay them for their services.

Len, who is now retired but is also a volunteer for the charity, said: "I always considered myself quite fit and active, I had taken part in marathons before and loved running and was really involved in the motorbike community." He says "As I felt better and after speaking to my GP I was able to go out on shorter runs which helped me even further. I then decided that I wanted to take on a challenge to fundraise for Bristol After Stroke, after all they had done for me." You can support Len's fundraising https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LeonardOsgood

Challenging the Bristol After Stroke team

To mark our 35th birthday this year, Bristol After Stroke is challenging as many team members and friends to join Len in running the race!