A young stroke survivor from Swindon is taking on a charity run to improve the lives of others who have suffered the life-threatening medical condition.

Lizzie Treadwell, 23, made a remarkable recovery after surviving a stroke at the age of 16, and is fit to participate in the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday 15th April.

Lizzie was brushing her teeth one day when she suddenly started to lose her vision. She said: “My parents had gone out for the day and I was getting ready to leave the house when all of a sudden I couldn’t see properly. I remember my left leg feeling strange and having the most painful headache.

"After visiting my GP, I was referred to Great Western Hospital where I had a CT scan on my brain. The CT scan revealed that I’d had a stroke – I just couldn’t believe it.”

Lizzie hopes her run will raise awareness for the Stroke Association, which works to prevent stroke, fund research, and campaign for the rights of stroke victims of all ages. She told the Adver: "I have never been a sporty person, but my boyfriend persuaded me to do the run.

"In terms of my mobility, the stroke doesn't affect me at all."

At the time of the event, Lizzie had to deal with "shocked" friends as well as "twisted rumours" that were circulating around the school. But she was determined not to let the experience of the stroke affect her studies. "I just wanted to get on with it."

And get on with it she did: "I managed to get through my AS and A Levels, and I'm proud to say that since then I have graduated from the University of Bristol with a first-class honors degree in pharmacology." She has since started a graduate trainee programme at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

Lizzie and her mother aim to spread the message that strokes can happen to young people as well as old. "We want more people to know that not every stroke can be identified by the FAST test, and whilst it’s an important test for many, if someone doesn’t show any or all those symptoms it doesn’t mean that they haven’t had a stroke.”

Jen Robinson-Slater, Community and Events Fundraiser at 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 in Swindon who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2018.

“As Lizzie’s experience shows, younger people can have strokes too. Though most people who have a stroke are older, stroke can strike anyone, at any time.

"We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she makes her way through Lydiard Park.”

Readers can support Lizzie's efforts by visiting her fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elizabeth-treadwell2