A Cwmbran woman who survived a stroke is now urging people to get their blood pressure checked, a free test which could be lifesaving.

Former nurse Vanessa Morley, 49, fell unconscious just two days before Christmas in 2007. She woke up to find herself unable to call for help.

Her husband Paul found her and she was rushed to hospital, where she suffered two further strokes, one on Christmas Day, which left her paralysed throughout her right hand side.

Now she is urging others to have their blood pressure checked, after pharmacy chain Mayberry teamed up with Stroke Association Cymru to offer free tests.

Mrs Morley said: “I had been working 80 hours a week as a nurse for several weeks leading up to the first stroke and remember feeling stressed during that time.”

“My family was told that I was likely to be in hospital for at least seven months. It was tough, but I’m a very determined person and, thanks to a lot of care, I managed to walk out of hospital on my birthday on March 9, 2008.

“I’m on a range of medications now following my strokes, from blood pressure tablets to statins for my cholesterol. Being a nurse I know how important it is to take my medications properly, but for some people it can be difficult.

“If more people have their blood pressure taken regularly then more lives can be saved, and for those who are unfortunate enough to suffer a stroke, there is support from pharmacies to help make life easier during and after your recovery.”

Vanessa now volunteers for the Stroke Association helping people in Newport and Cwmbran.

People can have free blood pressure tests at pharmacies across South Wales now Mayberry Phramacy and Stroke Association Cymru have joined forces.

They have produced a leaflet explaining medication and how pharmacies can help manage it, and are encouraging people to visit their local pharmacy for free blood pressure tests.

Ana Palazon, director of Stroke Association Cymru, said: “This is a landmark partnership which holds the potential to benefit so many lives. Mayberry Pharmacy has taken the lead in working with us to help more people understand the services and help that are available to stroke survivors and their families at their local pharmacy.”

Paul Mayberry, managing director of Mayberry Pharmacy, said: “Simply looking after a patient’s prescriptions, so that they don’t have to worry about remembering to order them every month, means that they are able to concentrate on getting better and we are able to ensure they get the medication, which will improve their condition.”

The pharmacy chain has made Stroke Association Cymru its official charity partner for the next 12 months. As well as raising money through fundraising, all carrier bag sales will be donated to the charity.