A DAUGHTER whose mum and stepdad both suffered strokes just two years apart is hosting a fundraiser in Monkton to support victims.

Kirsten Milligan has organised a ladies day charity event in aid of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland after seeing close family battle back to fitness after they suffered a stroke.

The 22-year-old has set up the bash set to take place in March at her workplace, the Adamton Hotel.

In 2015 her stepdad Michael,52, suffered a massive stroke which left him fighting for his life in a coma. Two years later her mum, Christine 55, also suffered a severe stroke.

Her grandad also suffered a stroke in 1997 whilst also in his 50s but battled on to recover by joining local stroke groups which he ‘lived for’ before he passed away in 2016.

Kirsten has seen the therapeutic effect that supportive stroke groups have had on her loved ones, and despite the condition being hereditary, she is hoping to continue the fight to raise awareness.

She told the Advertiser: “Stroke runs in the family, my grandad had a stroke, my stepdad had a stroke and my mum also had a stroke which is why it’s a charity close to my heart.

“My stepdad went into a coma, it affected his memory, when he came back out he had to learn to walk properly again. He was in hospital for quite a while, he’s still mainly on a walking stick as well. Sometimes he is consigned to a wheelchair, if we are going a long walk.

“My mums’ stroke was massive as well. She manages to get about, but she still struggles with walking, she can’t do as much as she used to. They have recovered, but you can never fully recover.”

During her family’s long road to recovery, Kirsten and her mum began to raise funds to go towards Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. Kirsten from Kilmarnock, saw how stroke survivors groups in the town were helping people to overcome the addition and wanted to get involved to help.

After having two generations of her family both suffering a stroke, she is now more aware and determined to help people overcome it.

She said: “If you do suffer a stroke you are not alone, there is places you can go to, who are in the same boat, there’s people who are physically impacted and people who have been mentally impacted, people who are both.”

“For some people who go to groups that might be the only time that they leave the house. It might be the only time that they can leave the house that week.”

Kirsten who works as an event planner will host a Ladies Day with her mum on Sunday, March 22 at the Adamton Hotel, Monkton.

The Mother’s Day event will feature entertainment, singers, raffle events.

Guests will also be treated to a sit down meal, with tickets £20.