A NEWPORT business woman is hosting an event to raise money for charity after suffering a stroke.

Janet Harris, 74, is hoping to raise funds for the Stroke Association by holding a celebrity charity lunch at the Celtic Manor Resort.

The event on Friday December 4, will see guests being entertained by former Wales rugby star Martyn Williams, who is the guest speaker at the lunch.

Ms Harris, from Basseleg, decided to support the charity after having a stroke at a local business awards dinner in 2014.

She explained: “I was hosting the gala awards dinner and dropped the microphone a few times while I was interviewing, but then changed hands. Then, my left leg was unable to take my weight, but I stil had no idea that I was having a stroke.

“I hosted my top table afterwards and the conversation flowed, but it was only later whilst lying on my bed in the hotel I knew something was not right.Not wanting to be ill in a hotel I drove home.”

The next morning, Ms Harris, a business consultant, was rushed to hospital and underwent a scan where she was told she had suffered a stroke.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain.

She has recovered well although she still gets tired if she tries to overdo things.

She chose to raise funds for the charity to help other stroke survivors and to help fund the Stroke Association’s research projects.

She added: “If it can happen to me, it could happen to you or someone you love.”

In Wales there are over 11,000 strokes each year and it is one of the leading causes of severe adult disability, with over 65,100 people in Wales living with the effects of stroke.

The Regional Fundraiser with the Stroke Association, Alan Drury, said: “We hope that the local business community as well as local sporting fans will support the event to help make it a great success and a sell out on the day for her.”

The lunch will be hosted by Adrian Williams with additional entertainment from comedian Jimmy Quinn and The Cory Logistics Band.

Tickets are £45 each and are available by contacting Janet Harris on 07720 558271 or janet@janetharris.co.uk