Jennifer Gall's life was shattered when she suffered a stroke at the age of 18.

She found herself in hospital unable to move and talk. Terrified, her only means of communication was to cry.

The business studies student from Dundee spent almost five months in hospital undergoing intense rehabilitation including physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.

After a long process of rehabilitation she regained her independence and found a job in a clothes shop.

Her achievements were recognised when she won the Courage Award at the UK Life After Stroke Awards in 2008.

"I was delighted to receive an award," said Jennifer, now in her twenties.

"I thought my progress was down to the professionals and the support of my family and friends, but it was great to know there were people who saw it as being a big achievement in my own right."

The awards are run annually by the Stroke Association and the health charity is now appealing for nominees from Scotland for next year's event.

Entrants can include people who have had a stroke, their carers, health and social care professionals, and stroke voluntary groups.

Andrea Cail, director Scotland of the Stroke Association urged family and friends of the 120,000 Scots stroke survivors to consider putting forward a person they know.

She said: "Having a stroke can be devastating. It can affect a person's ability to walk, talk, see and think. That person's life will never be the same again. We see people adapting to life following their stroke achieving great things. The Stroke Association want to celebrate these achievements and give hope and courage to others."

Strokes are the fourth biggest killer in Scotland and the leading cause of impairment and disability.

They occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. The sooner a patient receives treatment, the less damage is likely to occur.

Symptoms include the face dropping to one side, an inability to lift both arms and speech becoming slurred or garbled or the person may be unable to talk at all.

They often happen in older age when they are caused by the arteries getting narrower.

However about a quarter of the 12,500 Scots who suffer a stroke every year are of working age. Children too can have a stroke.

Not being overweight, exercising, having a healthy diet and stopping smoking are ways to reduce the risks.

The Life After Stroke awards will take place next year in London on 25 June and nominations for entry close on 31 January.

To nominate, please go to www.stroke.org.uk/lasa or call Angie Macleod on: 0131 555 7244.