In recognition that a stroke can happen to anyone at any time, the courage awards are for people who have demonstrated inspirational courage in overcoming personal, physical, emotional or communication problems after their stroke.

Winner – Jennifer Gall, aged 20, Dundee, Scotland

Jennifer was just 18 when she had a stroke and collapsed in her university library. Jennifer was thrombolised in A&E, remained on a stroke unit for three weeks and was then transferred to a brain injury unit where she received rehabilitation for four months.

After her stroke, Jennifer was initially very emotional and distressed by her speech problems. She continues to receive speech and language therapy support which has helped her communication. Jennifer attends her speech therapy sessions on her own and is now confident to go on public transport and go shopping. She works part-time in Next and has had to overcome customers complaining about her speech. However, even though she found this extremely stressful, it did not deter her from going back to work the following day.

Jennifer is hoping to return to her studies at university despite still having some cognitive difficulties. She works hard to develop her independent living skills, faces up to her challenges and is an inspiration to young people.