Man who woke from coma takes on special challenge after defying death
A man who woke from a coma after 17 days is about to take on another physical and mental challenge. Ismail Patel from Batley defied the doctors after suffering a brain bleeds and falling into a coma. It was feared he would die. When he did come round, it was feared he might never walk or talk again. Ismail is now preparing to take part in the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday May 18. He's set to take on the 10k challenge – something doctors once said he would never do. In 2008, Ismail suffered a brain bleed that led to a mini-stroke. Just a year later, he fell into a coma and was given a grim prognosis: his family were told to prepare for the worst, and that even if he survived, he might never walk or talk again. But Ismail’s story didn’t end there. Incredibly, after two and a half weeks in a coma, he woke up – and began a long and gruelling path of rehabilitation. Step by step, with immense determination, he learned to walk again with a cane and slowly rebuilt strength on the left side of his body. Now, despite ongoing health challenges including epilepsy, ulcerative colitis, and the after-effects of multiple surgeries, Ismail has defied all expectations. What began as a one-off challenge at the Dewsbury 10K in 2018 has become a full-fledged passion. This month’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run will be his 34th 10K race – and he has also completed the Great North Run Half Marathon, raising thousands of pounds for charity along the way. "The Great Manchester Run is very inclusive," says Ismail. "It makes me feel part of something special. There’s no discrimination at all – everyone just cheers you on." Remaining places for the 10k are expected to go fast. Further details of the Great Manchester Run can be found here.
Ismail Patel from Batley
