Every day in the UK, 240 people experience a life‑changing stroke. On 15 January, my husband Janez was one of them.

He was blue‑lighted to the Brighton Hyper Acute Stroke Unit for emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. He seemed to be doing well but a few hours later deteriorated. A CT scan showed he was having a second stroke, caused by a blocked artery that wasn’t responding to medication. He was literally run into the operating theatre for a second emergency brain surgery to fit a stent. The surgeon told me he had a 50/50 chance of surviving, and that without surgery, he would not make it through the night.

Thanks to the incredible skill of the surgeon and the amazing NHS teams who cared for him, Janez survived - we are forever grateful.

Janez stayed a week in intensive care and he remained partially paralysed down his left side, Janez was then transferred to the Worthing Acute Stroke Ward - the team taught him how to walk again. He is now home with daily rehabilitation, his strength is gradually returning, though his balance, memory and processing skills are still affected.

For me, this has been the hardest time of my life. Seeing my husband go through something so devastating, while suddenly becoming his full‑time carer, has been overwhelming. I can only leave him for short dog walks each day — so walking has become my small space of respite.

That’s why I’ve signed up for the 74‑mile walking challenge to raise funds for the Stroke Association UK, whose research and support mean so much to families like ours - this is my way of giving something back for the wonderful care we’ve received.

If you’re able to donate - even a little – it would mean so much to us.

Thank you all so much.
Gerry x