Our Stroke Association Virtual Collections are a simple place for you to raise money in memory of your loved ones.

The money you raise will help fund our specialist support, research and campaigning. They are truly only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from you, we can continue to rebuild even more lives.When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Thats because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly.

Let us tell you about Alisha whose life was changed by a stroke at the age of 26. Alisha was working as a primary school teacher when she had a severe stroke, leaving her unable to walk or communicate. Admitted to hospital for five months, she felt fearful for her future.

I had no idea what had happened to me, she said. I nodded to nurses and doctors, but I remember being so confused. I didnt know any words; hello, mum, dad theyd all gone. Alishas stroke had left her with aphasia, which affects her ability to understand, speak, read, write and use numbers.

I have a head full of things I want to say, she explains. But something as simple as texting a friend can be the biggest hurdle of my day. Speech therapy has been a huge help, but its really hard work.

Alisha has speech and language therapy sessions twice a week. She also attends a Stroke Association aphasia support group. The support group gives me a place to meet other stroke survivors who are in the same position as me. Its been a huge help to my recovery.

Don't just take our word for us, hear from Alisha in her own words the impact stroke has had on her life and how the Stroke Association have helped her rebuild it.

We believe that making a recovery after stroke is a team effort. We work hard to connect everyone in the stroke community so that people can live the best life possible after stroke. Now more than ever we all need that sense of community.