Hiya - so here is my story :)

Back in October 2023 I had a major stroke. Not something I thought I would ever be saying at 37 years old.

Within an instant I lost the use of my right arm and leg, the right side of my face drooped and I didn’t make any sense in what I was saying.

Rich took me straight to hospital and after a lot of tests we found that a clot had traveled to my brain and a large area in my brain had died.

I was in hospital just shy of a week having further tests to rule things in and out. During that time I regained the use of my arm and leg (weak as they were) and eventually started to make sense. My short term memory was shot and I was exhausted. I was sent home on meds to help stop any further clots.

Once I was home I had help from therapist with speech and other things and had a follow up appointment at the hospital to check my heart. Here I was diagnosed with a large hole between my two atriums which was likely the cause of my stroke. I’m currently waiting for surgery to close it.

Wventually I returned to work 6 weeks after my stroke and with help I was full time after 3 weeks and I can happily say that I am now thriving!

So now I want to do something to say thank you to the Stroke Association so I have signed up to do a triathlon on September! I’ve found that exercise is something that helps to regulate my exhaustion and keeps me going and also will be a challenge for me!

So if you could spare some pennies to donate towards this amazing cause I would really appreciate it and knowing all the support behind me I know I will cross that finish line full of joy and pride!!

Thanks everyone xx