A man who had to learn to walk and talk again after a stroke at the age of four is to run his first marathon on Sunday.

Jeremy Helm, 31, of Honley, was left with mental and physical disabilities which he has to cope with every day.

Jeremy, an administrator for Elland-based adhesives firm Bond It, has raised more than £600 for Different Strokes, a charity which supports younger stroke survivors.

A disabled athlete with Holmfirth Harriers Athletics Club, Jeremy will take part in the Chester Marathon, watched by family and friends.

Jeremy Helm to run his first marathon following a stroke
Jeremy Helm to run his first marathon following a stroke

Jeremy, in training since May, said: “I’m all ready for it but it’s been hard. I think it’ll be my first and last marathon.

“I wanted the challenge and I can tick the box and say I’ve done it.”

Jeremy suffered a haemorrhagic stroke which meant he faced a battle to put his life back together.

After many months in hospital and a tough and gruelling programme of physio, hydro and speech therapy, he regained his speech and the ability to walk.

Though still affected by right-sided hemiplegia, a weakness in his right arm and leg, and epilepsy, Jeremy took up athletics, representing Yorkshire as a disabled athlete.

Chester Marathon 2015 takes place on Sunday, October 4. The city centre route

When he was younger he ran sprint and middle distances and developed a passion for running.

A shoulder problem meant he was advised to give up sprinting and he set himself the challenge of a marathon.

Jeremy’s mum and dad Marion and Graham and brother and sister Callum and Natalie are going to Chester to cheer him on and Jeremy said: “I’m looking forward to the race with a mixture of anticipation and excitement.

“It’s going to be great to be able raise not only funds for Different Strokes but also awareness of the issues and effects of head injuries.”

To sponsor Jeremy, click here.