A Beith man, whose dad’s life was changed following a stroke, is running a 10k to raise money for the Stroke Association.

Jeremy Stewart is taking part in the Resolution Run at Glasgow Green on Sunday, March 11.

Jeremy’s dad Michael, 82, also from Beith, suffered a stroke in June last year. The stroke affected Michael’s speech and eyesight. The former engineer also lost his driving licence as a result of the stroke and receives visits from carers four times a day.

Jeremy, a health, safety and environment manager, visits his dad regularly and sees the tremendous impact a stroke can have on someone.

The 43-year-old told the Herald: “My dad had a stroke last year.

“He’s now recovered, although he’ll never be the same again.

“He doesn’t drive now, but he’s still in his house himself, he’s got full mobility, and he’s got a grasp on things.

“We go over a lot to visit him and help him out as much as we can.

“He’s not happy about not driving, he does it find it quite hard to be honest.

“He doesn’t need to go anywhere though – we can take him about – but it’s someone telling you that you can’t do something that I think he finds hard.”

Jeremy only started running around two years ago when he decided to join one of his friends who was taking part in a run for an asthma charity. He is looking forward to the Resolution Run, which he says is the perfect event for him to keep up his fitness levels, whilst also raising funds for a good cause.

Jeremy is also taking part in the Stirling Marathon in April and plans to run three half marathons throughout the year.

He added: “My friend was doing a run for asthma and I just did them for the challenge.

“I always did cycling before, but with running you don’t have to give up so much of your day, you can be done in about half an hour.”

Angie Macleod, Communications Manager at the Stroke Association said: “Jeremy has seen the effects of a stroke whichbring to life just how very life-changing a stroke can be.

“It is great Jeremy has chosen us as a charity to support and we hope he will enjoy the atmosphere and get a great sense of achievement out of it.”

To support Jeremy in his fundraiser, visit his Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeremy-stewart1.