Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This subject is very important to me as both my mum & auntie suffered strokes and we sadly lost my aunt last year.  it's something you never think will affect you until it does and to my surprise, I also had a major stroke last March.   I wasn't expecting it and it completely changed my life overnight.

My family ,friends & work colleagues were amazing & supportive throughout, I couldn't have got through it without them.  I've seen my mum recover from a stroke with pure determination & she never gave up so I wasn't prepared to either. I wish I could go back in time and have a healthier lifestyle and prevent it from happening but it's happened now and I can't change it but I can get back to how I was before.The effects of a stroke can be devastating.  It didn't really hit me until I came home from hospital and realised I couldn't drive or run upstairs or even stand in the shower.  this all changed overnight and is very hard and upsetting to deal with. post stroke fatigue and seizures take some getting used to which I haven't yet.  I Iost over 3 stone within a few months and I think I watched the entire friends series at least 3 times due to boredom.   I'm very target driven  and that's how I've got through my recovery.   I'm still strengthening my arm, hand  and left knee but I'm getting there.  I've returned to work and now able to walk my dog again.I've promised my colleagues that I'll be dancing by Christmas, I think I've even promised to do the running man !so I'd best get cracking on those dance moves.  I used to find it patronising hearing 'there is life after stroke' particularly from someone who hasn't had one but it's true, there is life after stroke. your life and there's no reason why you can't regain it.  I'm still the same person I was before, still sarcastic and impatient (probably more impatient now than before the stroke.  everything I wanted to do but never got around to I'm making sure I do.  starting with a much talked about music festival I'd talked about for years with my nephew but never did.  It's booked this year and we're going. I can't wait. my next goal is returning to driving once I get my licence back.  my brother thinks he's my personal chauffeur and PA and keeps asking when his contract is up.  when I'm driving is my response so he has a while to go yet

I'm raising money for the stroke association and raisingawareness by taking part in this walk.  stroke can happen at any time to anyone and at any age and the more research that can be done to help prevent strokes or understanding the best rehabilitation needs for each type of stroke there will be more survivors so please help by donating to this cause.

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