My Mum Betty, was a very active lady who enjoyed playing golf, Scottish Country dancing and loved tending to the flowers in the garden, as well as being a fantastic knitter. She loved knitting for family and friends and also selling her creations at local craft fairs.

Two weeks before her 65th birthday, Mum had a stroke and was flown out to Glasgow where she spent about a month in the Western Infirmary and then after that about 16 weeks in rehab.

Mum had lost her speech and the use of her right hand side. It was devastating to us as a family and for my lovely Mum. Although I would talk to her, I missed her words of wisdom so much. She was not just my Mum but also my best friend.

Strokes are devastating not only for the victim of one but also to the family around them. Life is never the same. Strokes are not only for the elderly, they can happen to any one of any age at any time.

My Mum passed away only three years after her stroke at the young age of 68.

I am raising funds for the Stroke Association in memory of my Mum and for those friends of mine who have been affected by strokes or who have had friends and or family affected by one.