Nearly 3 years to the day that my Dad had a stroke, my younger brother John also had one, totally out of the blue.

I'm getting my Mersey Mermaid fin on and taking on the Swim for Stroke challenge over the summer months, swimming the length of the Channel and raising vital funds to help stroke survivors like my brother and my Dad find strength through support.

The Stroke Association have been a vital source of support for us.

Swim for Stroke is a fun way for us all to keep active and raise vital funds to help stroke survivors. Your donations can help in incredible ways:

• £350 could help run a long-term communication support group, empowering stroke survivors to achieve the best possible level of communication, improving confidence and supporting with independence.

• £250 could pay for one hour of Helpline activity, helping the families of stroke survivors support their loved ones after stroke.

• £300 could pay for an MRI scan that can help us better understand the brain of those affected by stroke