The Stroke Association are a charity of which I value as much as life, when you realise how easy it can be taken from you. When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery can be more than tough. But the brain can adapt, with the correct help and support to get you through it. 

In August 2017, at the age of 35, my mum's life changed completely, and for a long time turned upside down. After critical heart surgery due to a split aorta, she was sedated to keep her blood pressure level from rising, resulting in her falling asleep and unfortunately temporarily not waking up for weeks. She had two strokes during this, affecting her brain completely. Blood clots sat on parts of her brain and restricted her from waking up, moving and at some stages breathing alone. We were told we were most likely to lose her - luckily for us she was a fighter and never gave up, despite how long it took her to get to where she is today, having learning to walk all over again and even driving again. She is permanently left with untold amounts of medication each and every day, will not walk the same or run, however still has the gift of her life. The treatment she had during rehabilitation and all the support she was given, is what this charity are all about and what they do for people who have suffered and been through the same, which is why it means so much to me.

Stroke specialists support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from others making them more aware of how life changing stroke can be, so many more lives can be saved and regained.