A MENSTRIE woman who was struck down by a debilitating illness on New Year's Day has vowed to get back on her feet and reclaim her life.

Lynne McGregor had been an active and healthy 47-year-old when she suffered a devastating stroke following the rapid onset of bacterial meningitis.

In the end, the infection proved so destructive that she was left deaf, unable to walk and with damage to her eye sight.

For Lynne, a health-enthusiast who would run 26 miles a week and attend insanity work out classes almost every day, the impact was crushing.

She told the Advertiser: "My husband found me collapsed on our bedroom floor and I was rushed by ambulance into Forth Valley Royal Hospital where they diagnosed me with severe bacterial meningitis. It was so severe that I am now deaf, and it caused me to have a stroke.

"The speed at which I got ill is unbelievable. My life was put on the line within hours. I was lucky, a sharp GP recognised the severity of my condition and ordered an urgent ambulance."

Lynne added: "My husband was told I could be in hospital for up to six months. As someone who hates hospitals this time frame was terrifying.

"I worked hard every day and thankfully got out after five weeks. We converted our dining room into a re-hab gym and I followed my physio exercises and added in a few of my own. Currently, I am in the room for two or more hours every day."

Progress has been steady for Lynne, but she still requires help to get around and do everyday things such as read labels in supermarkets.

Her journey has also been particularly difficult as sports and healthy living had always been a major part of her life.

Originally from Edinburgh, she moved to Clacks seven years ago to take up the position of regional development manager for Scottish Swimming at Stirling University before later becoming aquatics manager with North Lanarkshire Leisure.

Lynne, now 48, said: "I basically feel like someone came along and tore up my life on January 1, but I am rebuilding it slowly each day.

"I am now temporarily working at home, which is great. I still can't walk straight; I keep bumping into door frames and walls. I still can't drive, hence working at home.

"The fantastic physios at Sauchie kept pushing me and encouraging me to keep working. Recently, they let me walk/shuffle on a treadmill – heaven.

"My life has changed in many ways," she added. "I am currently dependant on others to leave the house whether that is a short walk to the shops or a medical appointment. My family and friends have been amazing allowing themselves to become taxis.

"I am now deaf, I am unable to communicate in any environment where there are many people. When we have gone out for lunch we have to select a quiet restaurant and then also select a quiet seat. I can no longer go to the movies or hear music on the radio, we use sub-titles on the TV."

Not one to feel sorry for herself, the tenacious mum-of-two is adamant the disease will not keep her down and hopes restore her independence and mobility.

In her sights is a four-mile fundraising walk from her home to the Birds and the Bees in Stirling – on the six-month anniversary of her stroke.

She said: "It's a tough call but I am going to have my son with me and some of my friends are also keen to support me on my challenge. 

"I am raising money for Meningitis Research and The Stroke Association. I'm keen to highlight the speed at how meningitis can hit but mostly I want people to know that if you work hard, you can get your life back; you can improve your physical condition.

"I left hospital on February 4 in a wheelchair, but I am running four miles on July 1. I am winning, I am kicking meningitis and my stroke into touch – it can be done."

To donate to Lynne's Just Giving fund, visit either her Meningitis Research page or her Stroke Association page.