The healthy Ballarat teacher was in Pambula on a Christmas holiday when she suddenly had to lie down.

Unable to understand her words, Ms Kennedy’s partner called an ambulance which took her to the Pambula hospital.

“I was a non-smoker, not drinking,” she said. 

“I lost my speech and had to have speech therapy for about two years. My right arm is paralysed.”

Doctors have never been able to give her an explanation for the stroke.

For the first two years she was banned from driving, and became easily tired and needed to take ‘nanna naps’ during the day. Four years on, Ms Kennedy is off her walking stick, continuing to make her recovery, and is passionate about sharing her story with others. 

Ms Kennedy will be the guest speaker at tonight’s Apex Art Show Preview Night, with proceeds from the event also going to the National Stroke Foundation.  

She said stroke was commonly associated with the elderly but 30 per cent of victims were 65 or under. 

The art show will run through to Monday March 10, with proceeds donated to various local community charities.

AT A GLANCE

What: 2014 Ballarat-Eureka Apex Art Show Preview Night

Where: Next to Pipers by the Lake on the Lake Wendouree foreshore.

When: 6pm tonight

Tickets: $25 per head (includes supper and first drink).

Bookings: Phone 0421 289 180.