Training for a marathon : Why?

2014 - the 'no makeup selfie' that was in the daily mail

2014 - my first day home :)

Learning to walk again..

BBC Radio 5 live interview

My wonderful mum is to thank for the idea of this blog..
I am not training for a marathon and the link is spelt wrong as I couldn't process properly when creating this blog..
You're all here because well, you're amazing and clearly have an interest in my really fun life.. ( recovery)
For those 'new readers' I think you should all be 'introduced' to this blog and probably me..

Clearly you know my name :)

I won't make you read back through my depressing blog posts with awful spelling mistakes..

On February 10th 2014
*ages ago now*
I woke up paralysed down my left side and later on in hospital found out I'd suffered a Right Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke, ( I was 20)..
I still have no idea what the type of stroke is, only that they couldn't treat me quick enough because my brain was too swollen..
The blood clot travelled from my right leg through my neck and lodged its kind self into my brain ( the right side)..
I spent three LONG months in Kent and Canterbury Hospital; Kingston ward then Harvey Neuro-rehabilitation ward, learning to walk, be independent and basically start my 'recovery'..
After being released from hospital I had carers visit me at my mums house, who would teach me to; get dressed, shower and be independent..

I was told I'd never walk again and now I'm literally always walking..
I have a different gateway to everyone else, because I've pretty much taught myself to walk, I wear a plastic 'split' on my left ankle that yes you can see.. so don't point it out. As my ankle is still paralysed.. Without this I'd be falling over and covered in bruises.

I've written so much about my illnesses that I won't bore you anymore but I have two blood tests a week..

My stroke left me with epilepsy and many other 'problems';
Fatigue - meaning I get exhausted quickly, so don't patronise me and get angry if I yawn at you
left sided weakness - I can't use my hand so I hold it (get over it)
Confidence issues - Obviously I'm going to be self conscious
Independence - I still need help with certain things because it's hard with one arm
Memory -I have memory loss and forget things really easily.
Blindness - I actually don't think anyone knows this, I can't see out of the right side of my eye
Face droop - people say they can't notice it, but I'm aware of the fact the left side of my face doesn't move
Sub-laxed shoulder - my shoulder isn't in the socket meaning it's hanging from my shoulder ( you can feel it)
vulnerability - I had so many people almost use me because of my stroke..
Brain injury - I live with a brain injury which isn't noticeable, however its everything joined together

SO many people throw stupid comments out there..
"You're so young"
'How do you do it?'
'You can't even tell.."
"Why are you always tired?"

That is my story and here I am today, walking and about to start my final year of university and living with Liam :)

My stroke has made me a stronger person and I'm so grateful for that..