Thank you to everyone in the West Midlands who helped us to Make May Purple for stroke in Action on Stroke Month 2015.

Communities up and down the country united to show their solidarity for the 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK. From holding purple cake sales, doing sponsored fun-runs, to turning landmarks or wardrobes purple, your tireless support has been truly humbling.

Stroke is cruel. It happens in an instant, but its effects can last a lifetime. It can rob you of your speech, your mobility and your dignity.

At the Stroke Association, we believe in life after stroke.

Thanks to the selfless dedication and commitment of your readers, we know that together we can conquer stroke.

Bernice Jones Stroke Association Regional Director for the West Midlands