Jo Milan was left only able to say three words after suffering a stroke at the age of 46. Having made massive progress in her recovery, she has just scaled Whitby's famous 199 steps. She speaks to health reporter Kate Liptrot.

WHEN Jo Milan suffered a stroke at the age of 46 she spent a year in hospital and was left only able to say three words - "yes", "no" and "nurse".

But with the support of speech and physiotherapists, and sheer determination, Jo is making a remarkable recovery, and this summer has conquered a huge personal challenge to climb up Whitby's famous 199 steps.

"It was wonderful," she said, "I did it in 55 minutes both ways and people were cheering me on."

Jo used the climb to raise money for the Brooke, a global animal welfare charity, which helps working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the world’s poorest communities, as she said animals cannot speak to tell people how they are feeling.

Jo suffered the significant stroke as she was at home in Barlby getting ready to go to a friend's. She was found by her nephew Paul, which ultimately saved her life.

She is not sure what triggered the stroke but said she may have been at risk as a smoker and being under some stress at work and as a single mum, she said.

Jo has no memory of the first couple of months until a moment when she recalls drifting in to consciousness in York Hospital, where she had the surreal notion the doctors and nurses were actors.

Since leaving hospital, life has changed dramatically - Jo no longer works for the Yorkshire Tourist Board, a role she enjoyed, and she has had to move to a new house in Haxby.

But she says she now has new targets, a priority being able to regularly walk her dog Arch, and to drive again.

"People say I'm strong but life isn't a rehearsal," she said, "I still feel stuck, I want to get out there. I have a dog and people are walking him for me and before I was able to go to the Moors and the coast."

But she says her partner Steve and family have been endlessly supportive.

"If anyone else finds themselves in the same situation I would say don't stall. Don't give up. Every day I notice something new.

"My family are still amazed by me. They told my family and friends 'she won't speak again' - it was not a good prognosis. They think it's brilliant I'm walking and taking. They think it's incredible."

To donate to Jo's challenge sponsorship, go to www.justgiving.com/jomilan