Thanks for donating to the Stroke Association.

James (Bill) Felton passed away after he experienced a very rare kind of ischemic stroke to the cerebellum (at the base of brain) that then caused a swelling in the brain. 

Apparently, only 2% of the population experience this type of stroke, and as the symptoms are so common - dizziness, nausea and lack of balance - it often goes unnoticed.  This was the case with Dad and he was oblivious that he had experienced a stroke until he had a CT scan at the hospital. 

Up to that point he was laughing and joking with everyone including the poor paramedic who mentioned she played hockey for Stevenage.  You know then how the conversation went after that....

Ultimately however it was swelling in the brain that caused a brainstem stroke. Since the brainstem runs the main functions of the body - heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure - he rapidly passed away.

What's strange is that apart from his diabetes (which was effectively controlled) Dad was fit and healthy, didn't smoke and walked up to 20 miles per week, so he was not your usual suspect for this type of stroke.

So anything you can contribute to help research into this would be so appreciated.

Thank you

Julia & Clive