A WALTHAMSTOW woman is running the London Marathon in support of a charity which has been helping her father for 16 years.

Following two severe strokes at the age of just 55, Mariama Nish's father, Lansana Turay, was left paralysed on his right side and lost the ability to speak.

Since then, the Stroke Association has been providing financial support and respite care to the family.

Ms Nish, 43, of St John's Road, said: “It was a shock for us when it happened because my dad was young and fit and was working full-time as an accountant.

“He did not drink or smoke.

“Because of the stroke, his quality of life has suffered, but the charity has helped us see there is a life afterwards.”

Ms Nish who has high blood pressure, one of the known risk factors for a stroke, says another reason she is running on Sunday (April 17), is to stay fit and healthy.

For more information or to donate log on to www.justgiving.com/mariama-nish

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