Freya Brooker

I'm fundraising because…

Growing up, I was incredibly lucky to have two very important people in my life. My mum’s best friend, Da, who became like a nanny to me, and her husband, Terry, was also a huge part of my childhood. They have both played such an important role in my life, and I truly wouldn’t be who I am without them.

In 2004, the year i was born, Terry had a stroke. His life changed completely. He couldn’t walk very well or talk and could only say a few words. Da became his full-time carer and looked after him for the next 14–15 years, until he sadly passed away. Her love and care was second to none, she was incredible.

I grew up spending so much of my time with them. I learnt to speak and write alongside Terry, and although his stroke changed so much of his life, he was still such a huge part of mine. Growing up, I saw first-hand just how devastating the effects of a stroke can be, not only for the person who has had one, but for the people who love them and care for them too.

Sadly, stroke has recently affected our family again. Da, who has always been such an important person in my life, suffered a stroke herself. Her life changed instantly, and at the time of writing this, she is still in hospital waiting for a space in rehabilitation.

To see Da go through something I had already witnessed Terry experience all those years ago has been incredibly difficult. Stroke has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I have seen the physical, emotional and life-changing impact it can have on a person and their family.

So, while I’m in Australia in January, I’ve decided to challenge myself to a skydive and raise money for the Stroke Association.

I’m doing this for Terry, for Da, and for every person and family whose lives have been changed by stroke.

I’d love to raise as much as I possibly can to support the Stroke Association in helping people affected by stroke, supporting their recovery and funding vital research into preventing and treating strokes.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, would mean so much to me.