Just over 2 years ago, I suffered a massive stroke as a result of a vertebral artery dissection.  This was in all probability caused by abseiling of all things - I will not be doing that activity again! I ended up 'locked in' ie totally paralysed, only being able to hear and see and spent nearly 4 months in various hospitals.

Since then, with the help, support and encouragement of countless members of the medical profession, family and friends, I have managed to regain relatively good movement on my left side, although my right side is a 'bit on the slow side to play ball'! 

I have re-learnt how to sit, stand, and now am re-learning how to walk.  The best bit of my recovery, was when my feeding tube was eventually removed and I once again re-learnt how to swallow and was able to savour a cup of coffee, without it being thickened!  However, I have developed bad table manners and often embarrass myself by coughing and spluttering when eating when I am tired. But boy, it is great to eat 'proper food' again!  As for talking, life was hard for all at first when I was only able to blink to communicate.  Over the last 2 years I have rediscovered a voice (not the same one as before) but one that can be usually understood.  I am sure my children sometimes wish this improvement had not been made, especially when I try to sing!

So why am I doing the walk?

• To aid the Stroke Association further their research to enable people like me, to be given life saving drugs and medicines to aid their condition and assist their recovery.

• To help the Stroke Association produce the bank of information leaflets that aid patients, families and carers alike, to cope with the new situation they find themselves in.

• To provide enough Stroke Workers to assist patients, families and carers to adjust to the new life they all have.

• To say 'Thank You' to my fantastic Stroke Worker, Carolyn, for all her assistance in helping me apply for things such as disability allowance, employment support allowance, dial-a-ride and a blue badge.  She also aided my mobility recovery by introducing me to Surrey Dolphins (supervised swimming for the disabled), White Lodge (where I receive physiotherapy from a neuro-physiotherapist), as well as introducing me to fellow stroke patients at monthly coffee mornings where we share experiences, support each other by sharing our knowledge, have a laugh and regain a social life!

• To say a big 'Thank You' to all my friends and family who have supported, encouraged and 'put up with me' throughout the 'ups and downs' of my journey so far.

• And lastly, to set myself a goal.  I have never walked this far since my stroke.  Ideally, I would wish to complete the circuit (about 1 mile).  I hope to do this in an hour.  But, it all depends on whether I have slept well, don't get fatiqued, and my right foot behaving itself and not getting hypersensitive and spasming.  All I do know, is that I will strive to do my very best.  Any sponsorship, however small, will be gratefully received and immensely appreciated.  If you would like to join me on the day, I would appreciate some support, company and encouragement.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  Pauline x

P.S.

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