Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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

Today is World Stroke day and to help raise awareness and support the Stroke Association I will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October 2021.

As most of you know my Mum unfortunately suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in April 2014.  My Mum had to undergo emergency brain surgery and have half of her skull removed to relieve the pressure. After spending 2 days in an induced coma my Mum awoke and was responding to commands. My Mum made a remarkable recovery to Doctors amazements. In June 2014 my Mum had her second brain operation to fit a titanium plate.

January 2018 I received the dreaded phone call, that my Mum was suffering another suspected Stroke. My Mum was rushed to Kings College Hospital where they had confirmed she had suffered a frontal lobe hemorrhagic stroke and needed to undergo emergency brain surgery. Doctors explained things were critical and that my Mums quality of life would not be the same. As a family we clung on to hope and as the days, weeks, months unfolded we realised this Stroke had caused more damage than we could have imagined affecting my Mums speech, movement and cognitive function. My Mum spent 9 months in Hospital and in this time had a further 3 small bleeds. My Mums hospital stay was very difficult and very challenging.  Thankfully my Mum was accepted into Queens Square, Neuro-rehabilitation Unit where she spent a further 5 months recovering. My Mum worked so hard and with an amazing specialist team of Dr's, Nurses and Therapist to help her achieve her goals and come a lot further on in her stroke recovery. We are so thankful Mum is home with us now and will never forget  all of the support they offered to us as a family. Thank you beyond measure.

My Mums life changed overnight and now requires 24 hour care.  My Mum now has severe Aphasia which makes communication very difficult as she is only able to say a few selective words.  Recovering from a Stroke takes time and determination and we are so proud of her and how far she has come.  I will be forever grateful to our amazing NHS and all of the professionals for there input, care, kindness and encouragement shown towards my Mum throughout her recovery. 

2020 has been tough year for everyone and due to COVID-19 it is devastating to hear that not all Stroke Survivors are able to receive the after care they so desperately need. I would be grateful for any small donations to help support and rebuild Stroke survivors and there families lives.

Now i need to go and train to get to that finish line in October.. Thank you so so much.

Charlotte Xx