A STROKE survivor will prove he is back on track by running 15km for charity.

Chris Bassett, 30, suffered a stroke when he was just 22.

Mr Bassett, from Great Wakering, was struck by a severe headache and had no recollection of what happened when he woke up.

He said: “Having a stroke at 22 was devastating. I went from being a fit young man to someone who found it difficult to walk unaided, having slurred, speech and blurred vision. It had a massive impact on my confidence and I had to start again from the beginning to relearn how to do simple things, like make a cup of tea.

“I have since returned to work, an achievement that at the time of my stroke, seemed impossible.

“My family were given fantastic advice and support on how they could help me with my recovery from local stroke support groups. They gave us information on services, groups and general help on how to cope with stroke day-today.

I wanted to give something back to help make sure these services are there for more stroke survivors and families like mine.”

In the UK, someone has a stroke every three-and-a-half minutes.

Tamasan Marshall, regional fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “People often don’t realise a stroke can happen to young people, but as Chris’s story shows, stroke can happen at any age.

“It’s fantastic to see Chris has made such a fantastic recovery, and his determination is an inspiration to us all.”

Chris will take part in the 15k Resolution Run for the Stroke Association, in Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent, on Sunday, March 22.

Entrants can choose to run 5km, 10km or 15km. Entry fees start at £12.50 and there is no minimum sponsorship. To find out more, visit stroke.

org.uk/resolution To sponsor Chris, visit www.justgiving.com/Chris- Bassett1984