A STROKE survivor from Highcliffe will walk a marathon to raise money for the charity that has supported him through his recovery.

Ian Muckleston, 48, has been left with fatigue following a stroke in December 2017.

His bleed on the brain was not identified for three days, having been initially misdiagnosed as gastroenteritis of the effects of raised blood sugar.

He said: “I was working building a bathroom on the Tuesday lunchtime and had a sudden headache like had been hit with a sledgehammer.

“My speech became slurred and an ambulance was called. But I didn’t go to hospital as paramedics believed it could have been my blood sugar levels. I then went to my doctors who thought it was gastroenteritis.”

It was not until three days later that following numerous tests at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Ian was told that I had had a bleed on the brain. He was then rushed to University Hospital Southampton’s neurological unit and was operated to repair the blood vessel the following day.

As well as fatigue, Ian has also been left with difficulties with his feelings, speech and memory.

Ian said: “When I had the stroke I could have died in a literal heart beat but I didn’t and I am still here.

“I feel it’s only right to try and help others to get the best future possible for them.”

Ian has been supported through his recovery by the Stroke Association and now volunteers with them at the weekly Milford-on-Sea Stroke Group and at communication support workshops across the New Forest.

On Saturday, June 29, Ian will walk from Highcliffe to Poole Harbour and back with his partner Sharon to raise money for the Stroke Association as part of the charity’s #WalkYourWay challenge.

Ian said: “I am a survivor of a stroke and would like to give something back for the support I’ve received and help raise money for people less fortunate then I have been.”

Ian and Sharon are hoping to raise £500 for the Stroke Association. To support them visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sharon-smart4.