THE parents of an 18-year-old who suffered a major stroke, leaving her unable to move or talk, have spoken of their hopes for her future.

Gordon and Tania Todd, of Valley Road, Dovercourt, hope their daughter will defy the odds and make a recovery when she is moved to a specialised rehabilitation unit next week.

Rachel is at Colchester General Hospital’s stroke unit and has been told there is a chance she will never recover.

Mr Todd said: “Every stroke is different. Unfortunately for Rachel it affected the junction box of the brain. It is very, very rare.

“We are taking it day by day. It is all we can do.

“She is still very seriously ill. Any infection could take her away from us.

“It is a living hell to be honest. It is totally life changing.”

Since the stroke in December, Rachel has not been able to talk or move much more than her eyes. She is currently using a machine which monitors her eye movements, allowing her to spell out words.

On Monday, she is due to move to a specialist rehabilitation unit for stroke victims in London, which her parents are hoping will see her make some improvements.

Mr Todd, 43, added: “It was just a total shock, it really was.

“She had done modelling, she was a lovely looking girl. She had a portfolio done in London.

“She was very active, she had her whole life in front of her.”

Mrs Todd said: “There are a few friends that visit her. Some friends have seen her from the beginning, which is nice. They can see her progress.

“The nurse said she is sick of people treating her like a baby.

“She has her good days and her bad days.

“We try to keep her moving as much as possible, even just her siting in her wheelchair to stop the muscles wasting away.”

Mr Todd also gave his thanks to members of the public and local groups which have donated money to Rachel and the family.

“There are far too many people to mention, but we thank them from the bottom of our hearts,” he added.

“It is extremely heart-warming to know that the community spirit is alive and well in Harwich.”