A mother of four who suffered two strokes and had to re-learn how to walk and talk is now running a marathon to raise money for charity.

Evelyn Dalton, 36, of St Patricks Gardens, Gravesend, suffered an infarction to the right side of her brain when she was just 30.

Since then she has had to learn how to walk and talk all over again – and now she’s running more than 42km.

She said: “I was slurring my words, my balance was terrible and I’ve lost some of my memories which, six years on, I’m still putting together a timeline to pinpoint.

“I know that once a person has had a stroke the chances of having another increases so I put together a bucket list and running the London Marathon is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“When I had my stroke I didn’t know about the Stroke Association at all. It was only when I Googled ‘stroke’ did I discover it.

“Now I want to help bring awareness to this incredibly hard working charity, one that is especially close to my heart.”

Knowing about the Stroke Association while she was in her recovery process would have made a massive difference to Evelyn, especially as she is a single mum to four boys, two of who have Asperger’s and two have ADHD.

She is hoping to raise £2,000 by taking part in the Virgin London Marathon next year on Sunday, April 23.

While it may seem a long way off, Evelyn is training hard and determined to hit her target.

Her children attend Whitehill Primary School, Gravesend, and head teacher Malcolm Moaby has offered pupils’ support with a non-uniform day and a fitness challenge.

A fundraising Valentine’s ball is also being planned. Support Evelyn by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Evelyn-Dalton