Thanks to amazing supporters like you, we're able to deliver life-changing support to stroke survivors and their families, helping to rebuild lives after stroke.
It has been an exceptionally tough year for everyone affected by stroke. Your support has such a positive impact and makes a real difference, especially at this very difficult time.
We hope you'll enjoy reading these stories from amazing stroke survivors and incredible researchers, showing the difference you are helping to make. We wouldn't be able to support so many without you. Thank you.
Stroke isn't going to hold me back.
Mum of two, Stevie, was just 36 when she had a haemorrhagic stroke.
Stevie says, 'When I woke up in the hospital, I honestly had no idea where I was. For some reason, I thought it was 1988. I didn't even recognize my own son. I couldn't walk or talk properly. I was so scared.
'Day after day, I lay in bed crying. It was the most devastating thing that ever happened to me. But then one day I decided, 'I want more than this. I want my life back.'
'I don't know how I would have coped without the Stroke Association. They were so supportive to me. They saved my life. But it's not just me they've helped. It's also my family and friends.'
Thanks to physiotherapy, speech therapy and sheer determination, Stevie now walks independently and her speech has improved.
She says, 'I wanted to give back to the Stroke Association. So I took part in Walk Your Marathon - a fundraising event where you walk 26 miles in your own time, at your own pace. The day I completed it was the proudest day of my life. I started feeling like a survivor.
Find out more if you'd like to take part in Walk Your Marathon.
Thank you for supporting survivors like Stevie as they rebuild their lives.
Stevie's journey to hope
Watch Stevie's video to find out more about her moment of hope. Please note that this video discusses suicidal feelings.
Stevie says, 'My life isn't over. I have so much more to give and so much more to do, and this isn't going to hold me back. The Stroke Association saved my life. It gave me hope for the future.'
With the right support and a ton of courage and determination, people can rebuild their lives after stroke. Thanks to supporters like you, Stevie had the strength to carry on.
If you would like to speak to someone about the issues raised in these stories, please call our Helpline on 0303 3033 100 or email helpline@stroke.org.uk. Samaritans also provide confidential, emotional support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.