Natalie’s marathon effort raises almost £2,000 for Southend Stroke unit

In April this year, the amazing Natalie Sandford took on the Brighton Marathon to raise money for the stroke rehabilitation unit at Southend Hospital. Her target was £1,000 – but thanks to the generosity of friends and family, she raised an impressive £1,920.

Natalie was inspired to take on her first marathon by the care her dad, Steve, received after suffering a stroke while playing golf over the Easter weekend in 2023. Thanks to his friends’ quick actions in recognising the signs and calling an ambulance, Steve received urgent medical attention. He spent 10 weeks in the stroke unit at Southend Hospital, where Natalie and her family were deeply grateful for the care, support and reassurance provided throughout his recovery.

Natalie’s achievement is even more remarkable given that she was recovering from glandular fever just three months before the event. Despite this setback, she completed the marathon in 5 hours and 56 minutes – her first full marathon after having already taken part in several half marathons.

In training, Natalie managed to run up to 18 miles, so pushing through to mile 22 and beyond was, in her words, incredibly tough. “Even the last 0.2 miles was a real struggle,” she said. “But I knew why I was doing it and who I was doing it for.”

Clair Grayston, Senior Charity Manager at Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity said: “We’re so grateful to Natalie for taking on such an incredible challenge to support the stroke unit at Southend Hospital.

“Her generosity, and the amazing amount she’s raised will help us continue making a real difference to patients. Thanks to donations like Natalie’s, we’ve been able to fund projects like mural wall coverings, garden spaces, and specialist rehab equipment, all designed to make the recovery journey more comfortable.”

Natalie added: “The Southend Hospital Stroke Unit has had a profound impact on my family’s life, providing exceptional care during our toughest times after my dad had a stroke. The team’s dedication inspired me to take on this challenge, knowing that every donation will contribute to the extraordinary care future patients will receive.”

In thanks for Natalie’s fundraising and marathon efforts, Stroke Consultant Dr. NGO said “The Stroke Unit really appreciate Natalie’s incredible initiative, hard work, determination and tenacity in running the Brighton Marathon to raise funds for the Stroke Unit. We will use this precious funds judiciously to enhance the care of Stroke patients”.