Widnes man runs in memory of his mum

Dad-of-one Eric Ireland has already raised almost £5,000 for the Stroke Association, with match funding from his employer.

His mum, Vivian had mini strokes when she was only 51, followed by a major stroke at 55, which left her paralysed on her left hand side.

A second stroke 10 years later, left her completely paralysed and she sadly died two years later.

Eric, aged 39, from Farnworth, said: “This is my first marathon.

“I’ve always been a runner and try to keep fit.

“I wanted to do this thank this charity for all their support and to help other families.”

Eric, a quality and customer manager, has had his fundraising match funded by Royal Mail.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to the run.

“I’ve been following a training plan with five runs a week, ramping up to 22 miles.

“It is daunting at times. My body is aching but I think my mind is strong enough to get through any pain.”

He paid tribute to his mum.

He said: “She was really caring and would do anything for anyone. She was quiet and unassuming.

“Her personality changed after her first stroke but she still lived as much of a normal life as possible.

“After her second major stroke, it was a really tough two years.

“Her care home at Ferndale in Widnes was absolutely outstanding.”

He said his four-year-old daughter, Ruby is ‘really excited’ and will be watching him run on the television.

His fiancé, Anna Kelly is travelling to London to cheer him on.

Louise Lawless, from the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke can be devastating but with the support of people like Eric we can made a real difference to people affected by stroke.”

To sponsor Eric, visit sponsorme.co.uk/ericireland/virgin-2015-london-marathon.aspx