Last year, at the age of 24, I had a stroke. I recognised the F.A.S.T symptoms immediately but was unaware that someone in their 20s could have a stroke. It was for this reason that I waited 28 hours before seeking medical attention.

When I arrived at the hospital I was almost dismissed due to my age, but an explanation of my symptoms the previous day and the feeling of being ‘spaced out’ secured me a CT scan which confirmed an ischemic stroke (blood clot in an artery in the brain). I am still undergoing tests to find the cause of the stroke and am taking preventative medication.

I was lucky that my recovery was fast but I do know that stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in the UK. Two-thirds of people who survive a stroke find themselves living with a disability. The Stroke Association is the only organisation dedicated to funding research into ongoing rehabilitation for stroke survivors.

In aid of the Stroke Association, my brother and I inline skated the Berlin Marathon in 2022 and will be running the Brighton and Berlin Marathons this year. I hope that along the way I can raise funds for the Stroke Association as well as awareness for young strokes. 

A common misconception is that stroke only affects older people, but around a third of those who have a stroke are under the age of 65. And more than 400 children are diagnosed with strokes every year in the UK. Stroke can strike at any time to anyone!

https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/stroke_in_people_of_working_age.pdf

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from you, we can rebuild even more lives.