A former Financial Planning chief who suffered a stroke is set to take part in a running race despite his physical difficulties.

Nick Cann, who used to be chief executive of the Institute of Financial Planning, before it merged with the CISI in November 2015, is taking on the Devauden Races 5K on 1 May.

He hopes to raise £1,000 for The Stroke Association. So far, he has reached £360 through 10 donations on hus Just Giving page.

Mr Cann said: “I am running because I want to raise funds to help others like me.

“I am running to raise money for Project Phoenix to help stroke survivors in Monmouthshire. As many of you know I don't like running so this will be a challenge and it is hilly!”

Last year, The Stroke Association awarded Mr Cann, 53, a National Fundraising Award in recognition of his efforts for the charity. A project he began has so far raised a total of £57,000.

Mr Cann’s family spoke movingly of the “cruel” blow and the impact it has had on all of their lives ever since in a video late last year.

Watch the video in full below. It was made to coincide with Mr Cann’s award.

His wife Jo, who also works in financial services, explained she was in a meeting when she got a phone call from a paramedic saying her husband had collapsed during a speech on Financial Planning – but she didn’t know he had a stroke initially. It happened near to Easter in 2013.

When she arrived at hospital he couldn’t move, with no movement down his right side and he couldn’t speak at all.

She said: “I wasn’t expecting just how severe it was…his speech was his job, his speech was his life and he loved stand up comedy.”

She recalled notes from her diary at the time in which she pondered why the family had been “dealt a cruel hand” and asking ‘why us?’, when they were so happy together.

She said she wrote at that time: “All of our plans are in shreds.”

Jemma, one of Mr Cann’s daughters, said: “My father has always been a huge source of inspiration for all three of his children. I am incredibly proud of how far he has come since we first saw him in the hospital after his stroke.

“He is my hero and I am delighted that his grit and determination is being celebrated (with the award).”