In March 2021 at the age of 35 I had a stroke. I was fit and healthy and it came completely out of the blue, I had no idea that young people had strokes and was very much in the dark when I came out of hospital on what to expect. Having been very lucky to recover the use of my speech, arm and leg again relatively quickly I was and am still left with anxiety. After several tests and scans the cause of my stroke was identified as being a PFO - a hole in my heart which has allowed a blood clot to pass through and move up to my brain.

Different Strokes have been great at providing information and support and really understand the situation that stroke survivors are in. 

Every year approximately 100,000 people will have a stroke in the UK and a quarter of these will happen to people of working age or younger and it is the single biggest cause of disability. Different Strokes is the only charity dedicated to younger stroke survivors to provide active peer support through information, advice and rehabilitation services. I want to support Different Strokes by taking on The Different Strokes Orbit Abseil and I would love you to sponsor me - Thank you!

Please note that Different Strokes are confident this event will take place in September, however, if the event needs to be re scheduled or cancelled due to Covid restrictions they hope you'll understand and not request a refund. All funds will continue to be used to support younger stroke survivors. 

Please also note that I am waiting on an operation to have my PFO closure done (a hole in my heart needs to be closed), if the date comes through 6-8 weeks before the event then I unfortunately won't be able to do this. I will however do something else (less active) in it's place.