Being a stroke survivor is a constant struggle between fight and flight. Some days you wake up and close your eyes and wish it all away. Other days you wake up ready to grab life by the horns. Up until your 'stroke day', you know no different. You never know the turmoil, terror and uncertainty until that spilt second - and then your life is changed forever. I was one of the lucky ones - The Stroke Association were on hand when I left hospital to answer all the difficult questions I was too scared to ask the doctors. They provided practical solutions to day-to-day struggles like cooking and washing. They offered instant and on-going emotional support that picked me out of the deepest and darkest hole I could imagine. Because of The Stroke Association, I have Life After Stroke. Unfortunately others are not as lucky as me. These resources cost money (lots of it) and this charity receive no government funding so they can only offer these services on donations alone. I spent months mourning my own life - my confidence, independence, and vision that had been so quickly and inexplicably taken from me. Happily, my life is more fulfilling and enjoyable than ever inspite of having 40% vision loss, with thanks to the people around me and The Stroke Association.

This is my second time running the Cardiff half marathon. I finished last year vowing never to do it again but it looks like I forgot about the blisters, chest pains and leg cramps! I'm already training much harder than last year and I'm hoping to get a much better time.

Team Stroke 2014 - please check out my fellow teammates and sponsor where you can - they're an amazing group and I can't thank them enough for their support.

*Please note my employer is matching everything I raise up to £1000. Therefore a £20 donation via Just Giving will result in £40 being given directly to The Stroke Association by Barclays.

Thank you.