A YOUNG stroke survivor is throwing her support behind a national campaign for a charity which helped her.

Jemimah Waddington was 19-years-old when she suffered a sudden stroke one evening.

She had always been healthy and active and the thought of having a stroke had never crossed her mind.

The mother-of-one from Seaford suddenly and unexpectedly lost control of her body one evening and found she could not speak.

Ms Waddington said: “I remember wanting to scream but every time I tried, nothing came out.

“I was losing control of my body and couldn’t do anything about it. I’ve never felt so scared.

“It made me appreciate how much we take for granted – everyday things like brushing your hair and going to the toilet.

“I’m lucky to have supportive family and friends and the Stroke Association helped me come to terms with what had happened. But I wanted to feel like me again.”

Gradually Ms Waddington began regaining control of her speech. After four weeks she could say ‘yes’, ‘no’ and ‘mum’, and after a year her mobility began to improve.

Eighteen months after her stroke Ms Waddington gave birth to her first child, Edward, and the pair are doing well.

Now 21, Ms Waddington regularly bakes cakes for friends and family while raising money for the Stroke Association.

The charity’s latest fundraising initiative, which takes place next month, asks people to roll up their sleeves, grab a mixing bowl and bake to help make a difference for people affected by stroke.

Ms Waddington said: “Last year for the Stroke Association’s Give a Hand fundraising campaign, I held a coffee morning.

“We baked cakes and arranged games for people to play using their weaker hand to see how hard it is if a stroke leaves you with limited movement on one side.

“It was a great way to have fun while spreading a very serious message.”

Stroke Association fundraising manager Becky Beard said: “Jemimah’s recovery is truly inspiring.

“There are more than 100,000 stroke survivors living in the south east who need support to rebuild their lives.

“This October, we’re looking for bakers to help raise some serious dough for people recovering from stroke.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned chef or a first time baker, all you’ll need is a generous dollop of enthusiasm and a hungry group of friends and you’ll have the perfect recipe for fundraising success.”

Give a Hand and Bake takes place from October 24-30.

For more information, visit stroke.org.uk/giveahand.