I lost both my grandma's to strokes. My husband Alan also suffered a stroke in his 50's. Three days before my 51st birthday my life changed after suffering a stroke myself. This all sounds very bleak and there have been some very dark points but the stroke association has helped my recovery in so many ways.

At 43 my grandma suffered a debilitating stroke. I was only 8 at the time. My grandma was a beautiful woman who had a passion for life, her name was Laura. She was completely bedridden after her stroke and needed constant care. 
I would help my grandad get Laura onto the commode, wash her and feed her.
This was part of my normal everyday. Stroke was very much part of my world growing up. 
At the same time my family had received the devastating news my other grandma Dorothy (43) had died from a massive stroke taking her life.

Sadly a second stroke took the life of Laura at 52.
I was always fearful that this was also my fate.

So in May 2016 my life changed after suffering two right sided strokes. Alan had also suffered a stroke in August 2012. His recovery was amazing, aphasia had changed his world. Alan made a brilliant recovery and returned to music production in his studio.

Alan is a Sheffield legend for many reasons. This doesn’t mean the effects of stroke ever go away. They improve but very slowly.

It’s been a battle....
Since that day in 2016.
I have suffered many a TIA (transient aschemic attack) leading to lots of stays in hospital. 
This impacts us as a family immensely.

I now volunteer for the Stroke Association as an ambassador. One of the biggest issues for me now is loss of confidence. 
It would be easy to hide and stay away from the look on peoples faces when they see the impact of stroke on me.
Weight gain, wobbly walk, inability to stay awake. 
But no.... I get my wobbly bits out there and give talks to anyone who is prepared to listen.

The stroke Association supports our NHS financially 
in so many ways! 

Please give a little if you can.

Stroke strikes every five minutes and is the leading cause of disability in the UK. For many stroke survivors getting their life back means overcoming life-changing disabilities and emotional difficulties.With the right support, many stroke survivors are able to rebuild their lives, but re-gaining independence doesn't happen on its own. We support stroke survivors to find new ways to live their lives. Whether you're aiming to take your first steps or challenging yourself to walk a few miles for sponsorship, our Step Out for Stroke events are supportive and rewarding.