We need to be more mindful of stroke group

THREE years ago my wonderful mum, Diana, suffered a severe stroke. She died four weeks later.

I had left her that morning; she had walked her beloved dog, Pippa, washed her car and was going to garden for the rest of the day.

My Mum was the most active, “full of life” person I knew. She loved life. She was my best friend and I miss her every day.

Stroke is cruel. There are no warning signs but when it strikes, it destroys lives.

The sad truth is that I’m not alone – everyday a stroke still turns lives upside down in an instant.

This killer disease has been ignored for too long in the UK, and the shocking truth is that a stroke is a more common than most people think.

The Stroke Association estimates that every day there are about 280 strokes in the UK and this wonderful charity helps people to recover. But right now, they need our help to ensure they can continue this vital work.

So, I’m asking anyone who has lost a loved one to a stroke to consider setting up a Stroke Association Tribute Fund.

It’s a wonderful way to share precious memories of your loved one, so that their story can live on.

Nobody plans for a stroke, but we can help the Stroke Association be here for every single person affected.

The money you raise will help to ensure that people can get the support they need while also funding critical stroke research.

Visit tributefunds.stroke.org.uk/ today to find out more.

Katherine Dow Blyton

Actress