EVERY day throughout May, another 240 people will wake up to the life-changing impact of a stroke. Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children – anyone can have a stroke.

It’s a traumatic, life-changing event that robs survivors and their families of the life they knew.

I know this trauma only too well. This May marks the one-year anniversary of my own stroke.

My life was turned upside down when I had my stroke on May 2 last year.

I was just 59 when I was rushed to hospital after my son recognised my symptoms.

The last year has been very hard, but with the support of my son and the Stroke Association I have been able to start getting back to a new normal.

This is why I am delighted to be supporting the Stroke Association’s Make May Purple campaign.

The Stroke Association is the leading charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families.

This Stroke Awareness Month, the charity’s Make May Purple campaign challenges supporters to do something bold, bright and meaningful, to support the 1.4 million people affected by stroke in the UK.

It couldn’t be easier. Whether you bake, walk, host an event or raise awareness – make it purple.

Every minute you give and every pound you raise will make a difference.

You can go as purple as you like, so why not host a:

• Purple-themed bake sale – channel your inner star baker and create some purple masterpieces to sell.

• Purple party – turn the room purple with your decorations, dress code and refreshments.

• Purple quiz night – host a trivia quiz with purple-themed rounds.

• ‘Wear purple day’ – this is perfect for your workplace or schools. Get more inspiration to help Make May Purple at www.stroke.org.uk/mmp

However you get involved, your support will help stroke survivors and their loved ones find strength through support.

Cheryl Fergison, actress