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During the first May bank holiday weekend I will attempt to walk half a mile.  Two months ago that would have been an easy task, but now its a huge challenge for me.  Today I struggled to walk to the post box half way down our street and back, but the physio says I have to do that walk three times a day. Our son was born on 21 February, and ten days later I suffered a stroke and secondary bleeding on the brain.  I spent ten days in and out of hospital, being immaculately cared for in the Acute Stroke Unit at St Georges Hospital undergoing a series of tests on my brain, heart, spinal fluid - you name it.   Looking back, being in hospital was the easy bit as I had all the care and expert advice I needed.  I had no idea that to be discharged from hospital after a stroke was going to be such a terrifying and lonely experience.  Not only was I faced with the physical challenge of regaining my balance and movement, but also the emotional questions surrounding my future and my recovery. Especially with such young children.  Pregnancy related strokes are, thankfully, rare events and as such its been hard to get the information and support I need.   I don't tell you this story to gain your sympathy.  Far from it.  I know how lucky I am to have such a supportive family and wonderful group of friends.   Many stroke victims leave hospital without the incredible network of support that I have enjoyed.  These people rely on the amazing work the Stroke Association does.  I have been privileged to come into contact with this charity over the last two months and have benefited hugely from their advice and direction.   Please help me try to walk my half mile.  All around the country people will be taking part in sponsored walks for the Stroke Association as part of the charity's 'Step Out 2012' initiative.  By willing me on with your encouragement, you will be helping me achieve a currently impossible goal - to walk further than the post box - and at the same time raising funds to support the valuable work of an incredible organisation. Thank you Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity

Rachel's half mile challenge

Rachel's half mile challenge

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