A STROKE survivor from Llandudno, Michaela Jones, is set to take part in the Step Out for Stroke fundraising walk at the West Shore seafront.

Michaela, now aged 44, was 35 when she suffered a stroke, which forced her to give up work as a nursery nurse. The walk, in aid of the Stroke Association, starts at 1,00pm on Sunday July 22.

Michaela, who is a mother of two children, said: “I was in hospital for 10 weeks, my right side was affected and I lost my speech. It is slowly getting there, although my voice has changed. I did try to go back to work, but it was too difficult.

“One thing which has really helped is going to the stroke group in Colwyn Bay. It’s got me out of the house and I’ve met other people who’ve had a stroke for support.”

Michaela also volunteers as secretary of the Llandudno Stroke Club to share her experience of living with stroke with other survivors, whom she’s encouraging to come out to the Step Out event.

She added: “I’ve been twice and really enjoyed the walk beside the pond. My family came and supported me and we had a picnic on the beach. It was a lovely afternoon out and nice to meet so many other people.”

Margaret Street, Director at the Stroke Association in Wales, said: “Stroke strikes in an instant and causes more disabilities than any other condition. It’s a real inspiration to see Michaela taking on this walking challenge to raise vital funds to support other stroke survivors.

“Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level. We’re inviting the whole community to come to this fun day out and help us make it an event to remember.”

Step out for Stroke walks take place across Wales and the UK from May to July 2018.