A woman who suffered a double stroke 21 years ago has said she would not have survived if it wasn’t for her GP.

Sue Ross, now 47, had a major stroke on April 24, 1993, at the age of 26.

The stroke locked her in her body, leaving her unable to breath, swallow, and talk.

Ms Ross, who lives on the Westmill estate in Hitchin, was totally paralysed and could only move her eyes. She spent a year in hospital receiving treatment.

To mark the latest anniversary Ms Ross held a party at Hitchin Town Football Club on Friday as a way of saying thank you to those who have helped her since she had the double stroke.

Speaking to the Comet about her experience, she said: “The biggest battle was the emotional effect it had. I truly believe that without the support of my friends and especially the positive input from my GP Dr Keith Greenish from Courtenay House Surgery in Hitchin, I wouldn’t be here today. He was the first person that came out to see me at home when I had my first stroke. Within six hours of the stroke I had another one in hospital.”

Since her stroke Ms Ross, who is now a wheelchair user but is able to walk, has travelled to America, swam with dolphins and celebrated her 40th birthday in Singapore.

Two years ago Ms Ross started a monthly support group in Hitchin called Lifegeta, which helps people deal with the emotional effects of life-changing circumstances such as a head injury, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

To find out more about the support group visit www.lifegeta.co.uk