"This weekend has been a huge breakthrough for me.
After collapsing while skating in June from a thrombotic stroke and then suffering two mini strokes in July, It’s been a chaotic few months and not easy for everyone involved.
I want to thank Different Strokes for everything they’ve done. You literally have enabled me to start to rebuild my life again.
My biggest thank you goes to Alex Murphy who both got me to come down to London to your fundraiser, talked me into joining in with the abseil (yes, I abseiled down the ArcelorMittal Orbit!) and got me talking to so many other stroke survivors including the phenomenal Megan Giglia and Bailey Holland . It shows me just how lucky I am, but also that there is a way forward and I’m not alone in all of this. A stroke can happen to anyone at any age and for many different reasons. It doesn't matter if you're fit, unfit, healthy, young, old, black white or anything, it can happen and you've just got to recover from it.
Not only did Alex talk me into doing the abseil, but the wonderful lady asked me to bring my skates and took me to Queens. Because she herself suffered a stroke at 24, I knew she understood what it felt like and the complete lack of confidence I had, especially because my stroke and TIAs where while skating.
Thank you Alex for getting me back on the ice, you’ve no idea how much it means to me, and thank you to every person at the charity for helping me.
Today I got told my stroke is definitely linked to me being ill for the last five years and hopefully, with a few more tests, patience and the right specialists, I will get a diagnosis and be able to function like a normal human being for the first time since 2013. (imagine being able to skate and not be dizzy or have blurred vision! DREAM!) Thank you to everyone involved, including my beyond amazing parents who’ve done everything they can, including helping me relearn how to read and write again. Thank you for helping me start to reclaim my life back. One day at a time and little by little we’re getting there." 
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