Verwood mother-of-two who had stroke is running for charity

Hayley MacKrell, a nurse from Verwood, was diagnosed with a stroke in November 2022 after she experienced weakness down the left side of her body and speech problems.

The 37-year-old had worked with stroke patients but did not suspect she was suffering from the condition until her GP sent her for hospital tests.

The stroke left her unable to work and struggling to care for her children.

Ms MacKrell said: "Walking was very difficult as I had lost strength down one side of my body.

Hayley MacKrell with her daughters Olivia and Jess and partner Christian Simmons (Image: supplied)

"I suffered from intense fatigue and my cognition was also hugely affected.

"I had problems with my speech, and memory.

"Everyday life was now a massive challenge.

"My daughters were eight and five at the time.

"They were meant to be going to school or out to different clubs, but I couldn’t remember whether they were meant to be wearing uniform or not."

Further medical investigations discovered she was born with a hole in the heart and a genetic condition causing her to produce a type of cholesterol that increases the risk of stroke.

Hayley MacKrell with her daughters Olivia - left - and Jess right (Image: supplied)

She said: "Suddenly, I had a cause for the stroke.

"I almost felt a sense of elation.

"I’d been told that they may never find a reason, which I found very hard to accept as I was only in my thirties when it happened."

Following these discoveries, Ms MacKrell underwent a procedure to close the hole between the top two chambers of her heart.

She also takes medication to reduce the risk of future heart problems.

After seven months of rehabilitation, she returned to work at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

She is now planning to take on the AJ Bell Great South Run on October 20 to help raise money and awareness for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Ms MacKrell said: "I think there is a lot of stigma around heart and circulatory conditions like stroke, there’s an idea that it must be your fault somehow.

"By taking part in this half marathon, I wanted to tell my story and show that the reasons can be more complicated."

Chloe Beevers, events manager at the BHF, said: "After everything that Hayley has been through over the last couple of years, we’re immensely grateful that she’s aiming to raise funds on our behalf.

"Thank you Hayley – I hope you have a fantastic day at this great event."