A young woman was told she had suffered a stroke just days before picking up her A-level results.

Stroke is usually a condition associated with older people but for Lily Aldis, 21, it came just as she was meant to be enjoying her youth.

Miss Aldis, of Wheatfield Way, Long Stratton, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when she was 14.

But when she was discharged from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) her mother sought a second opinion and it was found she had a condition which caused her blood to be sticky.

'It was then a week before results day, when I was 19, I found out I had had a stroke. They're unsure when I had the stroke, and think I perhaps had it in my sleep. Since finding out about my stroke, I've realised that a lot of health complications I've come across over the years like fatigue, balance and coordination, make more sense now. But I was really surprised, I was not expecting it.'

Eastern Daily Press: Lily Aldis, who suffered a stroke, is joining the Give a Hand and Bake campaign.Picture: ANTONY KELLYLily Aldis, who suffered a stroke, is joining the Give a Hand and Bake campaign.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Miss Aldis, who now works at the NNUH, said she had always been exhausted while studying.

'As soon as I got home I wanted to sleep all evening and all night,' she said.

The impact of the stroke and Miss Aldis' other health conditions also made an impact of her social life.

She said: 'I can't really go drinking with my friends because alcohol thins the blood. But I also can't do contact sports and I love football, but I can't play it.'

Eastern Daily Press: Lily Aldis, who suffered a stroke, is joining the Give a Hand and Bake campaign.Picture: ANTONY KELLYLily Aldis, who suffered a stroke, is joining the Give a Hand and Bake campaign.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Even now, the stroke affects her life as she has to get up and walk around at work often to help with her blood flow.

Miss Aldis was inspired to take up baking to help keep her mind active, after seeing her mother Carole bake wedding cakes.

'I've always enjoyed baking and whilst my stroke has affected the balance and co-ordination part of the brain, it's great to have a hobby which allows me to work on these areas.

'I've learnt that if I go into baking prepared, I'm more focussed. I tend to organise ingredients and equipment before I start, and make sure I have some good tunes on.

Eastern Daily Press: Lily Aldis, who suffered a stroke, is joining the Give a Hand and Bake campaign.Picture: ANTONY KELLYLily Aldis, who suffered a stroke, is joining the Give a Hand and Bake campaign.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

'Baking is a great escapism for me, and also a chance to work on areas I struggle with, without too much thought. Especially when I'm moving around the kitchen and working on different tasks at one time.'

Miss Aldis is putting her baking skills to good use to raise money for the Stroke Association during the charity's Give a Hand and Bake Week, from October 22 - 28. Find out more at www.stroke.org.uk/GAH