THE family of a woman left paralysed from the neck down after a stroke, and who is battling breast cancer, are trying to raise enough money so she can come home to Llanmartin.

The family of Karen Walters, 37, was told she had only 48 hours to live in October last year after suffering a devastating stroke which left her paralysed.

But after four weeks in intensive care Ms Walters’ condition stabilised and she can now communicate through head movements, blinking and nods.

Now her family and friends hope to raise enough money to adapt the family home so she can leave Rookwood Hospital, Cardiff, and be cared for at home.

Ceri Walters, Karen’s sister, said: “We have been given a £35,000 grant to adapt Karen’s home, but the grant won’t be enough to cover the electronics she needs to communicate and the hoists in every room.

“We are trying to raise as much money as we can to make her home a home.”

Friends Kerry Bennett and Ian Poole have led the fundraising campaign which has already seen £1,200 raised through events including an 18-mile bike ride.

Following Ms Walters’ diagnosis with cancer, sister Ceri said: “Karen has many goals to achieve which will be extremely hard.

“She was a very ill child, having stomach operations and open-heart surgery. Her learning difficulties also made gaining communication so much harder for us.

Glenys Walters, Karen’s mother, said: “Karen loved going holidaying and we often went camping. She enjoyed life, enjoyed shopping and spending time with friends. Everybody loved her.”

“It’s been devastating, and a long nine months as at first we didn’t know if Karen would make it. She’s a very courageous, strong woman.

“She communicates just by head movements but her spirits are high and now she even sits in a wheelchair and smiles and giggles, she really does laugh.”

Those interested in donating or taking part in the next fundraising bike ride can contact Kerry Bennett on 07730 770194.