Every year 100,000 people have a stroke and a quarter of these people are under the age of 65. That's 25,000 younger people whose lives are changed in an instant.

Stroke is also the single biggest cause of disability in the UK, but it's not always the visible disabilities that stroke survivors have to contend with, debilitating fatigue, cognitive problems and personality changes can also be a lifelong challenge, preventing them from returning to work or bringing up a young family.

Different Strokes empowers younger survivors to reclaim their lives through active peer support, information and exercise. Different Strokes also support the wider family to get through challenging times with compassion and understanding.This is why I am taking on the 'March On' step challenge to raise vital funds to support the work of Different Strokes.

My personal challenge is to walk 5,000 steps every day in March. My walking speed is less than 1mph, so it'll take some time and be a real challenge. I'm a stroke survivor of 9+ years.

My impairment is dense left-sided weakness. It means everything in the left side of my body is affected. My arm and leg don't function normally. Even the left side of my face is affected, making it difficult for my embouchure to support the production of high notes on my Euphonium. I have learned to play euphonium since my stroke. I'm currently working towards grade 7 and I rehearse with Northampton Concert Band, when such things are permitted.

It was a huge shock to go from a fully able-bodied, autonomous adult, working as a secondary school science technician, to someone who couldn't even drink a cup of tea.

I had to adjust to life as a retired person, as a person affected by post-stroke fatigue, as a person who needs help sometimes, with the tasks that require the full complement of working arms and legs.

Nonetheless, I've come to view recovery as an ongoing journey. I seek out and participate in as many research and rehab opportunities as I can. I've recently completed the Upper Limb Rehab course with University College Hospital, London. It's reminded me that my left arm is a basically healthy limb. I just need to remember to use it. I've mastered tying my shoelaces with both hands, again. I've also undertaken a crochet project. The left hand is required to hold the work. I keep as active as possible. I'm a member of my local gym and I'm able to use the machines to exercise the main muscle groups. I can also use the static bike. 

There is a community stroke team in my area. about 3 years ago, I contacted them and I was able to have some neuro-physio to help me improve my walking technique. I learned how to use my stick properly. It made a positive improvement to my walking. Even so. I use a mobility scooter to get around the village. That way I can participate in activities, but conserve my energy for the necessary walking at the destination. I'm not able to walk 5000 steps in one go. It has to be done in chunks, with a break in between.

As a retired person, I'm afforded the luxury of time to pursue my hobbies and interests. I've been able to develop my skills as an artist. I've also continued to volunteer, something I strongly believe in. I can't move the chairs and tables around the halls, but I can be a committee member and help make decisions and organise events.

Thank you for supporting me.

Anna-Louise.