Dad who survived brain aneurysm to enter Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

A determined dad who was given a 30% chance of survival after a ruptured brain aneurysm, will be taking part in the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll mile tomorrow.

Paul Ives, 54, was paralysed down his left side after suffering a subarachnoid haemorrhage in January 2020 while completing a 5km Parkrun.

Former town planner Mr Ives, from Medway, Kent, said: “I was running a 5km Parkrun in January 2020, got one lap round and went to speed up but my body wouldn’t move.

“I got to the half way point, met my wife Toni and had to lie on the ground.

“I was rushed to hospital, where Toni was told I had a 70% chance of dying.

“This Sunday everyone else taking part will be running off to do that mile, and I’ll be walking as fast as I can.

“When I look back, I’m frustrated I can’t do more but so proud of how far I’ve come.

“For me it won’t be about speed, it’s about enjoying the fact I’m still here and able to keep going.”

Mr Ives underwent a life-saving craniotomy operation, but lost the use of his left side due to the bleeding on his brain.

Rehabilitation

He was transferred to a local rehabilitation unit for 12 weeks of intensive physiotherapy but was one of the last patients to be accepted before the UK went into lockdown due to COVID-19 last March.

Mr Ives said: “The hardest thing was not being able to see family on a regular basis.

“My sense of humour is what got me through – I approach every day as it comes.”

Mr Ives has run 15 marathons in his lifetime and has completed the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon three times.

He hopes eventually to regain fitness to the point where he is able to jog again.

Fundraising

Mr Ives said: “I said right from the start I would treat the recovery as a marathon, and I still have good days and bad days.

“It’s difficult when you have a brain injury, as you find it harder to process your emotions and talk to others.

“That’s why I’m supporting The Brain Charity, as they help people recovering with the practical things but emotional support too.”

Mr Ives will join thousands of people over the weekend who are taking part in the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll challenge where they can cover anything between one mile and 42km.

Recently, Mr Ives wife Toni and son Liam ran the Cambridge Half Marathon and Liverpool Half Marathon, also in aid of The Brain Charity.

Together, the determined family have raised nearly £1,000 for The Brain Charity, which supports people with all forms of neurological condition.

Wife Toni said: “Paul has had an incredible journey and has been determined to gain as much fitness back as he can – going from being paralysed on his left side to being able to walk a mile.”

To support the Ives family click here .