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.

I am sure everyone knows that I suffered a massive and devastating stroke in May 2018, just two weeks after my 40th birthday. In an instant I went from a healthy, busy and very content working mother of one to spending almost the next three months in a hospital bed, having life saving operation on my skull and so much physiotherapy to learn to do so move and ultimately walk again. It has been, and still is two years later, such a uphill, everyday, unrelenting, tough journey that has only been made possible by the overwhelming love and support of my amazing husband, family, friends and ex colleagues both in NZ and UK and an amazing team of physio, therapists, doctors and people like the Stroke Association. Therefore Simon and I are going to set ourselves a massive challenge - to walk a whopping 26.2 miles (a marathon distance) in just 2 weeks in June in order to raise as much money as we can for this invaluable organisation which played their part in my, and many more besides (including my dad's stroke story) stroke story. We will be grateful for any help you can give us.