A FORMER solicitor who suffered a stroke aged 29 says a blog she created in the aftermath of her illness is “the best kind of therapy”.

Claire Withnall, from Colchester, set up her Facebook blog Semblance of Normality after suffering a stroke in 2013.

Since becoming ill it has been a long journey for Claire and her family, but she is determined not to let her illness define her.

Her blog shares her day to day life, gives advice to people with disabilities and general parenting tips.

She said: “For me it is the best kind of therapy.”

“It gives me a voice. After I had my stroke it felt like I didn’t have my own voice – now I am able to have that voice back.”

Claire’s posts include talking about discrimination she has faced and how she developed a smart home. She also shares parenting tips which have proved popular with her readers.

“I’m less mobile now and can’t work but it has given me more time to prepare, research things and create the resources,” she said.

“The tips are useful to disabled people and non- disabled alike.”

To view Claire’s blog visit facebook.com/semblance-of-normality-761528370858372.