You may or may not know that for the past 16 years I’ve been heavily involved in the Childhood Stroke community. Well, there wasn’t a community when my son had his stroke, aged just 13, so I created one.
The Facebook group I set up in 2010 now supports over 1300 parents from all around the world – stroke isn’t geographically fussy. Nor is it selective on age. Whilst awareness of childhood stroke is still low, every day in the UK at least one child is diagnosed – including babies, some of whom have their stroke before they’re even born.
So when the opportunity arose for me to submit a presentation to the European Life After Stroke Conference I jumped at the chance. Organised by Stroke Alliance For Europe (SAFE), the conference attracts hundreds of medical professionals and people with lived experience of stroke.
Along with my friend Nancy – also the mother of a young stroke survivor – we told our stories and described the volunteer work we undertake in collaboration with the Stroke Association. Anna Scott from SAFE designed and printed our beautiful poster using heartfelt quotes and gorgeous photos from families in my Facebook group.
Then I flew to Prague with my son Oliver where we had the privilege of listening to some incredible speakers, met professionals with an interest in stroke, and connected with other remarkable stroke survivors and carers from everywhere! Mainland Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, the Nordic countries, Ireland and, of course, the UK.
Many thanks to the team at SAFE and the judging panel who selected my story from around 70 applicants.
This is an opportunity to thank the Stroke Association for their constantly escalating support of families affected by childhood stroke. In particular, my huge, HUGE thanks to Anwen Prendergast, Katherine Staley, Jacqui Cuthbert, Jenny Stephenson, Sarah Belson, Laura Richards and Juliet Bouverie OBE.
It was also a pleasure to finally meet in real life Austin Willett of Different Strokes Charity, along with Dr Nicola Hancock, Colin Jenkinson, Dr Emma Patchwood and Ryan Alicea. And finally, Professor Katerina Hilari – having studied your work over the past year it was an honour to actually meet you!
If you know of anyone affected by childhood stroke please feel free to introduce them and I’ll add them to my support group.
#childhoodstroke #strokeawareness #strokeforum #strokeconference
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