Hundreds of runners raised thousands of pounds for stroke sufferers and their families after taking on a city park.

Eastern Daily Press: The starting line of the Stroke Association's Resolution Run at Catton Park in Norwich. Photo: STROKE ASSOCIATIONThe starting line of the Stroke Association's Resolution Run at Catton Park in Norwich. Photo: STROKE ASSOCIATION (Image: Stroke Association)

The Stroke Association Resolution Run at Catton Park, off Oak Lane in Norwich, attracted around 300 people on Sunday.

More than £14,000 was raised for the charity after the participants ran, jogged and walked around the 5K or 10K course, while dressed in purple.

Eastern Daily Press: Medals at the Stroke Association Resolution Run which was held at Catton Park in Norwich. Photo: STROKE ASSOCIATIONMedals at the Stroke Association Resolution Run which was held at Catton Park in Norwich. Photo: STROKE ASSOCIATION (Image: STROKE ASSOCIATION)

The event was one of 30 runs organised by the Stroke Association, to raise funds for vital research and to support people affected by stroke in the East of England.

George Burroughs, community and events fundraising manager at the Stroke Association, said: 'Every five minutes across the UK, someone's life is turned upside down by stroke.'

Eastern Daily Press: The starting line of the Stroke Association's Resolution Run at Catton Park in Norwich. Photo: STROKE ASSOCIATIONThe starting line of the Stroke Association's Resolution Run at Catton Park in Norwich. Photo: STROKE ASSOCIATION (Image: Stroke Association)

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain.

There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year and more than 1.2 million people living with the effects of stroke nationwide.

Eastern Daily Press: The starting line of the Stroke Association's Resolution Run at Catton Park in Norwich. Photo: STROKE ASSOCIATIONThe starting line of the Stroke Association's Resolution Run at Catton Park in Norwich. Photo: STROKE ASSOCIATION (Image: Stroke Association)

Mr Burroughs added: 'By taking part in our Resolution Run, each runner has helped us continue to support stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives.

'We're extremely grateful to everyone who took part – it was a fantastic turn out and a great day for everyone involved.

'It's the ideal event for families and friends in Norwich who want to do something fun together while getting more active in 2018.'

At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control and exercising more.

Jo Pavey MBE, long-distance runner and world, European and Commonwealth medalist, has teamed up with the Stroke Association for the resolution runs.

She said: 'You don't have to be a medal-winning athlete to take on a Resolution Run.

'The added bonus is that the funds you raise will help people recover from a devastating stroke.'

The resolution runs will be held across the UK until April 22.

The running events are open to all ages and abilities.

For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/resolution-run, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.