EIGHT years ago Jo Milan suffered a severe stroke that almost killed her and her family were told that if she survived she had extensive brain damage and would be left helpless.

But Jo was so determined she fought back to reclaim her life, learning slowly to walk and talk again and this Sunday she is tackling the Hike the Humber Bridge Challenge, to help others.

"My family was told I would be a cabbage if I survived because I was so brain-damaged, " said Jo from Haxby, who was only 46 when she was felled by the stroke and spent a year in hospital.

"I had no symptoms before the stroke and was lucky that my nephew was in the house," she said. "I don't remember anything about it, but had a blood clot the size of a golf ball.

"My family were told my prognosis was not good, but the doctors didn't know about my determination. I am a fighter. A fighter for life.

"I only knew three words - nurse, yes and no - and I got the last two words mixed up all the time.

"I still feel trapped in my body all the time, but I am getting there. Every day is better.

"I used to be a great speller, but now I can't read letters or numbers. That's awful, but I am here.

Despite being left with a weakness down her right side and finding walking really difficult, Jo now completes an annual challenge to raise money to help others.

In 2014 she walked up and down the Whitby Abbey steps, even though she can't feel the steps and she swam in a lake and walked round the York walls.

This Sunday she is walking the Humber Bridge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and is inviting people to join her at 10am.

"I chose to support Macmillan in memory of my friend's Aunty SheShe, who died of cancer. Let's raise as much money as possible to combat this horrible disease, which has touched all our lives. Any donations, large or small will be much appreciated and put to good use by Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Jo has already raised £5,275 and her fundraising page can be found online at www.justgiving.com/Jo-Milan

Sarah Child, fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in York said: “We are truly grateful to Jo for choosing to support Macmillan with this challenge.

"To date she has raised enough money to provide over 183 hours of support from a Macmillan nurse. However with 4,600 people in York living with and beyond cancer we need your support more than ever to ensure they receive Macmillan’s help. Every penny raised is vital.”