May is the Stroke Assocation’s national awareness month and the island has been joining in by holding a series of events.

On Sunday, the first Step out for Stroke walk in the Isle of Man took place on Douglas Promenade.

One woman taking part was Nicola Chambers, from Douglas, who had a stroke in April last year, aged just 38.

Just over a year into her recovery she marked the milestone by taking part in the walk.

Nicola, now 39, who works at Onchan Primary School told us her story.

’I collapsed near Shoprite in Chester Street, unfortunately in front of my son, but he got help,’ said Nicola.

’The owner of Alessandro’s in the Victoria Arcade phoned an ambulance and held my hand until it arrived.

’I was told I’d had 12 strokes. I couldn’t walk, it had affected the right side at the front of my brain.

’They said I had suffered a blood clot in my heart. I hadn’t felt well for a few days prior but I was very healthy up until then.

’I had been training for the Parish Walk, out every night. I didn’t smoke or drink. I didn’t have any idea I was ill and no-one in my family had any history of it.

’I was diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), sometimes known as Hughes Syndrome, which means blood clots develop very quickly.

’I can’t thank the nurses and staff at the hospital enough. It’s still hard as I’m still under the care of the hospital.

’I think we’re very lucky to have them on the Isle of Man.

’It was very frightening, but I was back at work in September after six months off.

’The walk was a massive milestone for me. There has been lots of rehab, lots of walking and lots of tears.

’Without my friends, family, all the children from the school and my work colleagues I don’t think I could have done it.’

The stroke awareness campaign is titled ’Make May Purple’ and from May 22 until June 2, Noble’s Hospital will be joining in with the campaign by decorating the hospital foyer in purple.

The hospital’s stroke ward is also decorated purple for the full month of May with the Stroke Consultant dressed in purple one day a week throughout the month.

On May 25, the hospital will also hold a Stroke Awareness event in the canteen where Creative Juices will make a purple juice drink for visitors.