Paralysed mum urges people to give stroke victims a hand

Donna King is challenging people to “Give a Hand” to the Stroke Association as part of the charity’s fundraising initiative.

The campaign will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use, from October 26 to November 1.

Donna, now 29, had a stroke in February 2013, just five months after giving birth to her first baby girl, Millie Alice.

The stroke changed her life completely and left her paralysed down the right-hand side of her body.

Against doctors’ expectations, Donna refused to give up and walked out of hospital with a walking stick three months later.

In July this year, Donna walked unaided down the aisle at her dream wedding to husband Nicky in the Lake District.

Donna, from Peterlee, said: “After my stroke, my fiancé Nicky walked with me daily, helped me with my exercises, cooked me healthy meals and helped to get both myself and Millie ready each day.

“Because my stroke affected the movement in my right-hand side, as a first-time mum I had to learn how to change Millie and carry her using only one arm.

“We have our daily struggles, but Nicky and Millie keep me upbeat.

“I’ve just passed my test to drive using my left hand in an adapted car and I’m going to be supporting the Stroke Association, by volunteering in the office to help me get back to a working environment.

“By getting involved with Give a Hand, hopefully many more people will be able to help change the world for stroke survivors.

“The vital funds raised for the Stroke Association will support people like me who are on the road to recovery.”

To find out more about Give a Hand, visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack.

For more information about a stroke, call the helpline on 0303 3033100.