Jessica Colborn

Jess, 18, woke up in May 2010 with a headache but didn't let it spoil her day. She took painkillers and blamed the mix of sunshine and alcohol for what became a migraine. Her friends noticed her slurred speech, but thought she was drunk. When the pain became immense and she couldn't talk or walk, she realised she was having a stroke. She was taken to hospital and the next five months were the hardest days of her life. She had left-sided paralysis and right-sided facial palsy, but after intense rehabilitation, she could wash, make tea and walk. Jess has made an incredible recovery over the past year. She recently had a nerve removed from her leg to improve her facial paralysis, but hopes to do the Great North Run 2012. She is also now able to take her exams and realise her dream of studying Dentistry at University. Jess is working with The Stroke Association to make more people aware that strokes can happen at any age. She says: "If I can help one young person recognise the signs of a stroke, I will feel immensely happy. I'm proud that despite the odds, I'm alive and living life to the full". Jess has worked incredibly hard to improve her own recovery. Around 1,000 strokes a year are people under 30. Jess is an inspiration to young stroke survivors everywhere and is helping the charity campaign and educate about stroke prevention, and in turn helping to reduce the number of strokes, the UK's third biggest killer.i am now hoping to study medicine not dentistry.