Seven years ago this April, I suffered a severe AVM stroke at the age of 17 whilst on a driving lesson. It damn nearly killed me, but I never gave up. I worked as hard as I could to gain back nearly all bodily functionality and to live a normal life to the best of my abilities. 

Going through this has really opened my eyes to the harsh reality that Stroke’s really are horrific. They can cause immense pain and damage, not just to the individual it happens to, but to family and friends connected. During my recovery I was able to see the devastating impact Stroke has on peoples lives, and from that point onwards I have always been extremely determined to give something back, and to help wherever possible to one day maybe beat Stroke forever! 

I am so lucky that I was so young when it happened to me, that I recovered so well and quickly, and now have minimal lasting damage, and I am so proud that I have gone on to revisit my driving (and pass with flying colours), go to university and get a degree in a subject area that I love, and generally enjoy my life and experience amazing things. This shows that Stroke can be beaten! 

However others aren’t as lucky. So we really need to continue fighting to beat Stroke, it is something that is incredibly close to my heart and it would mean the world to me if you donated even the smallest amount. 

Thanks, Ashley. 

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