A POLICE officer has been awarded for her inspiring efforts since she had a stroke while on her honeymoon.

Emma Pitt, aged 40, who patrols the Stockton Heath area, has completed more than 50 marathons and raised thousands of pounds to support stroke survivors.

She has received the highly commended life after stroke honour from the Stroke Association for her determination and fundraising work.

Emma, from Runcorn, suddenly fell ill one week into her dream holiday in Malaysia in 2009.

She was only 34 at the time and suffered a major stroke before losing strength in her arms.

Her speech also became slurred and she could no longer walk.

The strength in her arms and her speech came back but the stroke left her with depression, panic attacks and anxiety.

Now, six years later, Emma has made a remarkable recovery.

She has completed more than 50 charity events, including the London Marathon, and joined 300 entrants to tackle the BTR tour of Merseyside – a 52-mile marathon in six days.

"As I got stronger after my stroke I wanted to be healthier so I joined a gym and started running," she said.

"I wanted to take charge of my life again.

"I'm not 100 per cent back to how I was – I still have some weakness on my left side and I know that depression never really leaves you.

"However, going out for a run has given me the ability to have peace in my life again.

"I am utterly overwhelmed at receiving the life after stroke award – it really means a lot to me."