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.I'm taking on the Stroke Association's Walk Your Marathon challenge and raising vital funds to rebuild lives after stroke.

In December 2015, at the age of 60, whilst on an art holiday in Jaipur, India, I suffered a haemorrhagic stroke from an AVM, a brain disorder for which I had received treatment in 2009 and 2014. Fortunately, the people I was with recognised the signs of a stroke and I was transported to hospital in a tuk-tuk. By then, I had lost consciousness, so have no recollection of either the journey or what happened next. After a scan, the friend who accompanied me to hospital was told the situation was critical. Andrew, back in England, arranged a flight from Manchester and arrived at intensive care in the hospital about 36 hours later. I was still only semiconscious. Over the next few days, I regained consciousness, but I had lost the use of my left side and could not move.

My condition improved sufficiently by the end of the week for me to be transferred by air ambulance to a bigger more modern hospital in Delhi, though I stayed in intensive care for several more days and then was transferred to a room and gentle physiotherapy began. By Christmas, I was able to walk to the door with the physiotherapist’s support, but it was exhausting.

By the end of the year, the doctors said I was fit to fly, but not to expect to recover the use of my left side, that was devastating news as I was left handed, but the doctor said, “You need to learn to use your right hand.” My hobbies of painting and pottery would no longer possible, but at least I was alive. We flew back to England on New Year’s Eve, accompanied by two doctors.

Then the long process of recovery began. I had input from an excellent NHS stroke rehabilitation team in Doncaster, who got me back on my feet and made sure I was safe and could look after my personal care myself. I could make a hot drink safely, but couldn’t carry it, so had to drink it where I made it. After about five months, I was able to walk to the end of the cul-de-sac, using a stick for support, though my gait was very poor. I also devised a way of being creative, using a frame to help me sew needlepoint kits. It was a start. My life became more than just being a stroke survivor.

A major setback left me in a wheelchair when we first visited Falmouth. However, the big change came when we moved here and I joined the stroke club, which is affiliated to the Stroke Association. With the twice monthly meetings, with speakers, outings to local, accessible places of interest and the companionship of others who had experienced life changing brain injuries, my life had a sense of purpose. 

Then Covid struck and everything shut down!

We were so fortunate to have an excellent Volunteering & Community officer, who quickly set up weekly Zoom meetings, so some of us were able to meet up albeit virtually. By this time, my walking had improved, as the NHS had provided me with an FES (functional electrical stimulator), which has improved my gait and speed of walking. During the lockdowns my daily exercise was to walk along Falmouth seafront, with the support of my husband’s arm. Gradually, my stamina and strength improved, so that I could manage over a mile without having to stop and rest. I now can manage to walk for half an hour, so it is time to take on a bigger challenge and take the opportunity to raise funds for the Stroke Association, which provides so much support and advice for stroke survivors.

I still find walking tiring, but intend to walk about 2 miles every day on 6 days a week.

Due to our commitments, my challenge will begin directly after Christmas, so should easily achieve the distance within a few weeks.

Oh, and I have got back to being creative, thanks to our Stroke Association Community and Volunteering officer, who organises art activities with Falmouth Art Gallery. Our group has had two exhibitions in the community area of the gallery and will continue to have sessions on a monthly basis for the foreseeable future. Life really has improved due to the support of the Stroke Association, so I hope in my small way, I can support this excellent organisation, but I need your help, so please sponsor me in my marathon challenge. Any donation, no matter how small could help others, less fortunate than me.