After his baby’s stroke, Jamie is running to make a difference

In just a few weeks, Jamie will be taking on both the Leeds 10K and the Great North Run in support of the Stroke Association – his first challenge of this kind in 15 years.

This time, his motivation is deeply personal.

In January, Jamie and his wife, Laura, received news that changed their lives forever. During his Laura's pregnancy, at around 34 weeks, they discovered that their son – now three months old – had experienced a perinatal stroke, meaning he suffered a brain injury before he was even born.

Reflecting on that moment, Jamie and Laura said: “As parents, it was an incredibly frightening and uncertain time – filled with questions, worry, and a deep sense of helplessness.”

They continued: “It brought us face to face with just how devastating and unpredictable strokes can be, affecting anyone at any stage of life – even at the very beginning.”

While there are still many unknowns about what the future holds for their son, Jamie and Laura remain determined. As a family, they are focused on giving him the very best start in life – doing everything they can to support him in reaching, and even exceeding, milestones doctors have warned he may struggle to achieve.

For Jamie, these runs represent far more than a physical challenge.

“Taking on these events is more than just a fitness goal – it’s a deeply personal journey,” he explains. “I’m running for my son, and to help raise awareness of a condition that affects so many families, often without warning.”

He adds: “It’s my way of turning something painful into something positive, while helping others who may be going through similar experiences.”

Through his fundraising, Jamie is supporting the Stroke Association – an organisation that provides vital research, expert support, and practical guidance to stroke survivors and their families.

Their work offers hope, answers, and reassurance to people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives – and Jamie is proud to play a part in that mission.