I am running in memory of Ellie

By Ken

This May, I am running in the Runaway Sydney Half Marathon, in memory of my mother-in-law Ellie.

When she had a stroke, she was alone, and it was hours before anyone found her. Knowing that that she was alone, collapsed on the floor is something that haunts both myself and my wife.

The stroke was severe, and she 'survived', but her life was terrible. She was incapacitated and in a high care facility for two years.

Ellie couldn't talk, she was fully paralysed in bed, unable to move or to get up, she was fully dependent on people around her to give her care.

The sadist thing was that she knew what was going on, she was fully aware of the situation that she was in and watching her struggle emotionally – words really can’t describe it.

It is deeply tragic that the last years of life were spent like this, Ellie deserved much more.

So, that is why I am running.

Stroke is horrible, and if I can raise awareness and funds to stop what we all went through as a family, I will do what I can.

Each step will be dedicated to Ellie and my wife.

Ellie on the beach approx. 1967