In August 2022, I woke up not able to speak, move my right arm or right leg, I had suffered a stroke caused by a large blood clot on my brain.

My family reacted very quickly, and within 50 minutes I was in an ambulance with blue lights flashing on my way to hospital. It was a very scary experience for all of us. I was in hospital for just over 24 hours, I consider myself to be extremely lucky.

I have been affected a little physically loosing some sensation in my right arm and have experienced some physical and mental fatigue, which I am now mastering.

Thank you to the amazing people who took care of me in the NHS, my family, friends for their continued support. It really made a difference to me and now I want to make a difference with your help.

Why am I raising money?

Each year there are 100,000 strokes in the UK; 1 in 4 of these occurs in somebody of working age or younger, under 65 years. Different Strokes promotes independent stroke recovery, so stroke survivors and their families can reclaim their lives through active peer support.

I joined my group in September 2023 and we meet on the last Saturday in every month. We are a mixed group of people some of whom have had a stroke and also family members impacted by a loved one having a stroke.

We meet to support each other through this life changing event. Stroke survivors and family members offer support in stroke recovery and rehabilitation, with first-hand knowledge of the issues and challenges after a stroke.

Help me to raise money for Different Strokes by making a donation towards my fundraising target and together we can help and support people and families impacted by a stroke.