So sorry to hear about your mum. I had a CVA (stroke) last year and a few TIAs (mini-strokes) since then (last one at Alcester Festival). Harrow Stroke Unit at Northwick Park Hospital saw me through. If your mum shows REAL determination she will find that the staff on these stroke units will match her and drive her even more. I was determined to get out as soon as possible and I tried walking every hour or so until the feet started responding properly. I had one or two silly times with this incidentally - including getting myself stranded on some steps in the gym at 5.45am! I had been able to work out how to walk UP the steps but couldn't work out how to get down again! Had to wait to be rescued.

I can appreciate your terror about this and suggest that you get in touch with the Stroke Association. They have a helpline and relatives can phone and get reassured as necessary.

Your mum's main mental problem will be intense frustration! You cannot imagine how it feels for your mind to tell you that your limb is working but nothing is happening - it is like someone has cut a cord. You are still working the cord but the end of it is running free!

Incidentally I had my CVA at Herga Folk Club on the night of Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman's farewell gig. I never did get to see the last part of their set!

ZM