In January, at the grand old age of 30, I had a Stroke… yep you read that right 🤕

I had total facial paralysis of the left side of my face leaving only the right hand side to blink, smile, chew, taste or make any facial expressions at all. 🥴

My left arm felt like I had had 6000 vaccines in it the day before it was so dead and achy. 

Yet despite the warning signs I didn’t instantly think “I’m having a Stoke at 30” just put it down to some crazy migraine! Until I was thrown through A&E a CT scan and onto an acute stroke ward with people at least 127 years older than me 👵🏻

My leg has developed an on and off “foot drop”, numbness, pain and generally not always doing what I tell it too leaving me having to use crutches when out and about. 🩼 

Thankfully my mental health hasn’t took a beating, I could quite easily have spiralled back into depression but I’ve stayed positive throughout it all, thanks to the amazing people around me, after all there isn’t anything I can do to change what happened, or even have prevented it. I’m here with my little family and that’s all that matters! 🌈 

Im incredibly lucky and 3 weeks after it happening (although felt a lifetime) I started to regain control of my facial muscles and now have about 90% movement in my face, hopefully the rest will return in due course but feeling blessed with the rapid recovery, my arm is weaker but useable, maybe a good thing seems as I’m on crutches! 💪🏻

Never underestimate your ability to smile and blink. Never underestimate the ease of day to day life, at my worst I couldn’t even spit out toothpaste when I brushed my teeth or drink out of a can without dribbling it everywhere. 🫣 It just shows how quick your life can turn upside down! 

That said, the crazy lady I am, I’ve decided I’m going to climb the Yorkshire 3 peaks in June (with or without crutches!) And the National Three peaks at the end of the year! (Something I’ve wanted to do for a while!) Mainly to prove to myself I can do it, that despite being poorly and still having ongoing tests and treatments I’m still me, just slightly broken 🫠

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from you, we can rebuild even more lives.