Stroke survivor hails children who 'saved Christmas'

SALTASH MUM SAYS TWINS WERE VITAL IN HELPING HER RECOVERY

- By MOLLY SEAMAN

A STROKE survivor from Saltash has shared how her twin daughters stepped in to save Christmas after a stroke left her unable to walk, eat, or care for herself.

Jo Smith was a fitness-loving independent mum and finance assistant, but her life took a drastic turn when she suffered a stroke last year at the age of 51.

She's now sharing her story to help support the Stroke Association’s Christmas fundraising campaign, having received support from the charity during her recovery.

"My first Christmas after the stroke was a very different one. It was tough to begin with," said Jo, whose daughters were 21 years old when she had her stroke.

"I loved everything about Christmas, especially shopping and going to the Christmas markets. I was always the person who organised everything and did everything for Christmas. I would put all the decorations up, inside and out. I went shopping for food and made Christmas dinner.

"But that year, I couldn't wrap the presents with only one hand. So, we bought gift bags instead of wrapping paper. As I was not working and had less money, we bought and gave fewer presents than usual, too. I also couldn't visit any of the markets because, after the stroke, I now have anxiety around lots of people.

"I couldn't socialise or go out, and I always used to enjoy all the Christmas parties. I didn’t want to have decorations or a Christmas dinner. I wanted to shut myself off from it. I found the hardest thing was not doing things myself, having to rely on others, and accept help.