A NURSE who suffered a stroke at the age of just 21 is putting her experiences behind her - but raising money for charity at the same time.

Sophie Barrett, now 26, is running 16k for charity by taking part in the Simplyhealth Great South Run on Sunday (October 21) to raise funds for the Stroke Association.

Sophie explained how she had a stroke just after her 21st birthday in 2013.

“I had just turned 21 when I took a long haul flight back from Thailand," said Sophie, from Taunton. "A few days later, I had a stroke.

"My sister was with me at the time - I briefly lost the ability to speak, and I lost sensation in my left arm and my face.

"Initially it didn’t cross mine or my family’s mind that I had had a stroke. Once I was taken to A&E, it was confirmed from my brain scan that I had.

"I spent a further five days in hospital recovering."

Doctors identified that Sophie had a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a trapdoor-like flap in her heart that can cause blood clots, which could also have contributed to her stroke.

She later underwent keyhole surgery to correct it.

"Fortunately, I have no long-term effects from my stroke and count myself very lucky," she said.

"Almost exactly a year later, my dad also had a stroke. While he was also fortunate in his recovery, he still suffers fatigue as a long-term effect.

"I’m taking on the 16k run for not only me and my dad, but for all the other stroke survivors in the UK.

"No one can believe I’ve had a stroke, people don’t think strokes can happen to younger people. I’m on a mission to raise awareness to everyone that a stroke can happen at any time, and at any age.

"I’m really looking forward to taking part in the run, I’ll feel really proud when I hit the finish line."

Tammy Angus, regional fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time and it turns lives upside down in an instant.

"We’re thrilled Sophie is taking on this challenge to raise much needed funds for the Stroke Association’s work and we’re looking forward to cheering her on as she makes her way through Portsmouth.

"There are around 1.2 million people in the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke, with the support of people like Sophie we will be able to help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Sophie, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sophie-Barrett6.