In 2013, our Mum suffered from a stroke. Over the course of the year that followed and alongside the help of a physiotherapist and a speech therapist, we taught her to speak, read and walk again. Although we still had a long way to go, Mum made great progress and her recovery looked bright. 

Sadly, a year later Mum suffered with her second stroke. Despite going back to square one, mum was determined to get better. She was able to walk again but with a little less mobility, speak again although can get confused with her words (she will quite often say ‘I know what I want to say, I just can’t say it!’) and as for reading, some words she can recognise, but unfortunately is unable to read like she once did. She now has a new love for her audio books! 

Those of you who know our Mum, will also know that she is a determined woman and won’t let anything stop her. She loves to dance and will always be the last one on a dance floor, she loves to escape to the sunshine and spend some relaxing time with Andy and as most of you probably know, she enjoys to have a natter with anyone she meets. But above all, she just loves being around people, especially her family. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic is taking its toll on a lot of people. The restriction of having to stay inside can have a detrimental effect on a person's well-being. We recognise that it is important to take care of your mind as well as your body. Since the start of ‘lockdown’, Sal, Steve, Nick and myself have enjoyed many family group chats with Mum and Andy. We know that it is important for Mum to stay as active as possible and I for one am always asking what exercise she has been doing. Mum will sometimes answer me with ‘no comment!’. So I have set her some challenges over the weeks, sent through different fitness videos for her to join in with and we have even had a video call dance session together! 

I have now set her a new challenge, with a new motivation… to raise some money for The Stroke Association by climbing Ben Nevis! Well, the equivalent to the height of Ben Nevis anyway (1500m). She will need to walk up the flight of stairs in her house 476 times in total to complete the challenge. All will need to be completed within 28 Days. As a little motivation and support Sally, Steve, Nick and I will be joining in too! Her challenge will start on Monday 4th May and will finish on Sunday 31st May. Updates will be posted along the way!

Wish her luck!

'When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Thats because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community.'