On the 21st August 2018, at  36 years old and  38 weeks pregnant, I woke up having a stroke. 

This was a traumatic experience for myself and my husband and when I came out of hospital I needed some support to help me understand what had happened,why I was feeling like I was and most of all an understanding ear, as I suffered with severe anxiety -as I was  terrified  of having another. Alongside my altered sensory loss,stroke fatigue and supporting a newborn, it was a very difficult and life-changing time for my family and I. 

The Stroke Association came and did home visits and gave me information I needed, checked to see how my recovery was going,did blood pressure checks and provided the listening ear that we needed. Their face to face support,alongside the Medway Stroke Team, was incredible and I really am not sure what I would have done without this at that time. 

Through my recovery I have met and spoken with other stroke survivors, whose lives have been turned upside down by stroke.  I have learnt that no stroke is the same and all survivors are affected differently.  I never knew anything about a  stroke- only that I thought it happened to older people. This is not the case though.

I have met such inspirational stroke survivors and their families through running a stroke support group and I know from them how the Stroke Association has supported them and continues to do so. It is such a fantastic charity and I am so passionate and proud to be running London Marathon for them in April- something that has been on my bucket list  and after what happened I realise more than ever not to put things on hold, as we do not know what is around the corner!

Running for this charity means so much to me and I am so grateful and thankful everyday that I am able to head out and do what I love- RUN!!!

Any donations given, no matter how small, will really help me to smash my fund raiser goal and go towards supporting other stroke survivors and their families. 

If you've read this far then thank you so much. Everyone's support means the world to my family and I. 

Much love

Carly xxx Stroke Survivor 

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from you, we can rebuild even more lives.