I'm taking part in the Swim for Stroke challenge!
I’m taking part in the Swim for Stroke challenge as part of #TeamStroke for a very personal reason.
At the end of last year, I had a stroke. The physical impact has not been bad for me, but the mental toll, the fear, uncertainty and constant “what ifs”, was just as hard to navigate.
During that time, the Stroke Association became my lifeline. Their guidance, reassurance and support helped me make sense of what was happening and reminded me that life after stroke doesn’t have to stop, it can be rebuilt.
Right now, I’m not allowed to run, so I’m swimming 20 miles instead. It’s my way of turning a difficult experience into something positive, while helping ensure others affected by stroke get the care, support and research they deserve.
Every donation helps the Stroke Association continue providing vital services, campaigning for better stroke care, and funding research into prevention and recovery.
Thank you for supporting me and #TeamStroke 💙
My Achievements
Fundraising page set up
Uploaded a profile pic
Shared your page
Raised £50
Raised £125
Raised £350
I did it, thank you to every single person who has supported and sponsored me
Monday 2nd Mar
On Saturday morning, I finished my swim, and today feels like my real start to 2026.
Since December, there has been a black cloud hanging over me. The fear of another stroke. The what-ifs. The worst-case scenarios that creep in at 3am and steal any chance of sleep, but the biggest weight I have been carrying has not been fear, it has been guilt.
I have spent nearly three months struggling to even look at my family at times because I genuinely felt like I had let them down. That somehow my life choices had caused this. That I should have done something differently.
I now know I was born with Patent Foramen Ovale (POF).
There is nothing I could have done to prevent any of it, and I am not going to have another stroke. I cannot put into words the relief of hearing that.
There are still appointments ahead, but the constant fear that it was going to happen again has lifted. And with it, the guilt.
Swimming has been my calm.
There is something about being under water that brings me complete peace. No noise. No panic. Just breath and movement. That is where I have felt strongest this past month.
To everyone who sponsored me and supported my swim, thank you. Truly. Your messages, your encouragement, your belief in me meant more than you know.
The Stroke Association have been incredible. The support they give to individuals and families navigating something so frightening is extraordinary. Their work matters. It changes lives.
I am a very, very lucky lady, and I will never take that for granted again.
This is my reset.
No more living under a shadow.
Much love,
Nikki
You can still sponsor me if you would like to and thank you again for being part of this chapter with me. Share
The Why
Thursday 29th JanWhy I’m taking on this challenge
At the end of 2025, my life took an unexpected turn when I discovered I’d had a stroke. It wasn’t just physically frightening — mentally it was isolating, exhausting, and full of constant “what ifs”.
During those hardest moments, the Stroke Association became my lifeline. They were the calm voice at 3am, the reassurance when my head wouldn’t stop racing, and the support that helped me feel less alone when everything felt overwhelming.
Right now, I’m not allowed to run — so instead I’ve committed to swimming 20 miles in February. When I’m cleared later this year, I’ll also be taking on a marathon.
I know how lucky I am to be able to do this. Many people aren’t. That’s why I want to raise as much money as possible to help ensure others get the same support, guidance and care when they need it most.
If you’re able to donate, share, or support in any way, it truly means more than I can put into words.
Thank you 💙
One life. Grab it.
Thank you to my sponsors
£212
Sean Turner
£159
Anonymous
£108.78
Lee G
£106
Phil
Nikki, you are strong and an amazing person. Keep fighting and shining. Thinking of you
£106
Dan Conn
Amazing work! Proud of you, wingwoman!
£106
Jemma Davis
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you!!!
£106
Helen Hall
Shocked and saddened to hear what you've been through. Here to support in any way I can. xx
£103.60
Sam H
Completely amazing 🤩
£100
Peter Williamson
Here's to a strong recovery Nikki. Sorry to hear what you're going through and let me know if there is anything more I can do to help!
£100
Tom Quinn
£53.32
Sarah
Wishing you the best of luck
£53.32
Stuart Quick
Amazing effort Nikki. So sorry to hear you and your family have been through this. My aunt was a long time SA volunteer and I also helped out occasionally. It’s an amazing organisation. Good luck with reaching your target!
£53.32
Scott Winchester
You’ve got this Nikki… we are all behind you…
£53.32
Olly Davis
£53.32
Lucy Mac
£53.32
Iain Major
Good luck Nikki, you've got this!
£53.32
Helen Kidd
£53.32
Mark Harrison
£53.32
Darren Govey
A very worthy cause!
£53.32
Si And Mel
Hope your recovery is as straightforward as it can be. Keep up the amazing work
£53.32
Harj Singh
Good luck on the swim Nikki!
£52.12
Neel Jasani
£50
Bronwyn Boyle
You're amazing - so much love your way!
£50
Grom
❤️
£50
Sam Swift
You’re incredible! Go smash it my amazing friend xx
£50
Bronwyn Boyle
You're some woman for one woman! Go Nikki, waving all the pom-poms and sending all the love!
£41.83
Tim Ward
Stay strong. You’ve got this!
£32.23
Alan Pantling
You are Amazing
£27.05
Hazel M
🫶
£27.05
Kunjal Tanna
Best of luck Nikki
£27.05
Julie Osborne
To my beautiful friend…. You got this!! Keep on being you and inspiring all of us xx
£27.05
Harriet Sharma
Just keep swimming!!! Xx
£27.05
Daniel Ward
£27.05
Mac
£25
Rosie Anderson
Well done for turning a negative into a positive - Love ya lots xx
£25
Eleanor Dallaway
Proud of you Nikki. Lots of love, Eleanor xxx
£25
Natasha Harley
Incredibly proud of you bestie xx
£25
Adam Kent
Sending love and hugs Nikki, and wishing you all the best. Xx
£21.84
Nathan
You are an absolutely amazing human being. I’m glad I can help you reach your fundraising goal.
£21.84
Sophie Wingrove
£21.84
Eddie Lynskey
£21.84
Bazeley Family
£21.84
Matt
Go Girl 💋
£21.84
Kathryn Cardose
Brilliant challenge, proud of you for tackling it and also sharing more about Stroke charity and your experience. My mam had a life changing stroke and I don’t think folks understand enough about the far reaching impact it has.
£16.56
Lisa Ventura Mbe Fciis
Good luck my lovely, I was so sorry to read your news, you will smash this :-) xx
£11.33
Iuliana Silvasan
£11.33
Mandy Wilton
Wow. What an inspiring story! I am so sorry to hear about your recent health difficulty but delighted you are on the mend.
£11.33
Vicky Aitken
£11.33
Lori Taliesin
Inspiring as always. Good luck lady!
£11.09
Tasha Mellins-cohen
£10
Amber Williams
Good luck Nikki!!
£10
Claire Parker
brave and inspirational - sending love
£10
Sarah Hastings
Good luck you’re got this xx
£10
Steve Phipps
💪🏻💪🏻
£10
G
Great effort Nikki 👏🏽
£6.11
