When I was 22, in my 3rd year at university my mum aged 47 suffered a major stroke! I didn’t even really know about strokes then but sure did I learn ! My mum stayed in ITU for a month, not being able to speak move or communicate, it was hard to say the least ! My siblings very young only 12,13 at the time  found it confusing and didn’t understand as their mum wasn’t the same, my older brother and stepfather and me stayed strong and so did my mum. When she moved a toe for the first time or even when we moved to the rehabilitation ward, it was small steps ... I think with brain injury it’s all about the small things . Her first word 3 month after was signs of improvement and selfishly I thought at that point I know I won’t have to care for you all my life which sounds horrible but it was my worry ! 

My amazing mum is an ever believing optimist and a brave women, she fought every step, I stayed at home for a year and  deferred  uni but that year I watch every small achievement, and the improvements she made, speech session, physio the lot, afternoon naps were a necessity, it was exhausting (for mum not me )  and it’s been 5 1/2 years since it happened and my mum now drives again, runs forest school sessions with other stroke survivors  (my mum is/was a forest school teacher before the stroke ) still cooks for the family ( even with only one fully working arm ) try cooking one handed it’s hard I’ve tried ! her speech is for ever improving because she’s determined . I am a proud daughter and admire everyone who had been through trauma and come out the other side.

And that’s the reason I’m running in a nut shell. For all that sponsor thank you, I am running for all the people that have been affect by some one having a stroke or who have had one!

Thank you for reading my story 🙂