A young stroke survivor from Caerphilly has urged people to back the charity that helped her.
Lauren Watson, 28, suffered a stroke in 2015 when she was just 25-years-old.
The teaching assistant said: ““I was taken to the hospital when I had the stroke. My dad had had a stroke too and he recognised the signs.
“However the staff at the hospital didn’t believe it could be a stroke at only 25, and it was only my then-boyfriend’s persistence that made them give me a scan.
Ms Watson was released from hospital just before Christmas, but struggled to adjust to life after suffering a stroke.
“I felt like I wasn’t supposed to be there and it took me six months to deal with the fact that I’d had a stroke.”
After suffering her stroke, Ms Watson joined a support group in Cwmbran.
She said: “I was the youngest person in the group but it was so good to meet other people who understood how I felt. After spending time with them, my advice to any other stroke survivors would be to keep at it. It can be slow, but in the end your work does mount up.
“I was determined to get fit, so after nearly two years of hard work, I was able to do the half marathon with my dad and raise money for the Stroke Association.
“I still have weakness in my hand and have to concentrate on things more. But I’m back at work as a classroom assistant and have bought a new house. I’m really enjoying having my own Christmas decorations up and am more determined than ever to enjoy the festive season.”
Carol Bott, Director of the Stroke Association in Wales, said: “For many stroke survivors, rebuilding their lives after a stroke is a long and challenging process.
“Stroke not only presents physical challenges, but the way it suddenly changes people’s lives and their plans for their future can also cause feelings of depression, anxiety and despair. However, with the right support, many people can be helped to live fulfilling lives following their stroke.
“However, we aren’t yet able to reach everyone who needs our help and that’s why our Christmas Appeal, ‘I am more than my stroke’ is raising essential funds so that we can be there for more people like Lauren.”