Caerphilly stroke survivor says, ‘I am more than my stroke’.

28-year-old Lauren Watson was just 25 when she had a life-changing stroke in [KC1] 2015.

Lauren said:

“My partner at the time took me to hospital when I had the stroke. My dad had had a stroke too and he recognised the signs.

“However the staff at the hospital didn’t believe it could be a stroke at only 25, and it was only my then-boyfriend’s persistence that made them give me a scan.

“When I eventually came around, the only thing I could say was ‘yeah’.

“I was discharged from hospital just before Christmas 2015, but I didn’t feel festive at all. I felt like I wasn’t supposed to be there and it took me six months to deal with the fact that I’d had a stroke.”

There are around 7,400 strokes in Wales each year. Stroke continues to be a leading cause of disability and over 80 per cent of stroke survivors require help with daily living such as walking, washing, eating and communicating.

Lauren and her Dad joined the Stroke Association’s Stroke Support Group in Cwmbran.

Lauren said:

“I was the youngest person in the group but it was so good to meet other people who understood how I felt. After spending time with them, my advice to any other stroke survivors would be to keep at it. It can be slow, but in the end your work does mount up.

“I was determined to get fit, so after nearly two years of hard work, I was able to do the half marathon with my dad and raise money for the Stroke Association.

“I still have weakness in my hand and have to concentrate on things more. But I’m back at work as a classroom assistant and have bought a new house. I’m really enjoying having my own Christmas decorations up and am more determined than ever to enjoy the festive season.”

Carol Bott, Director of the Stroke Association in Wales, said:

“For many stroke survivors, rebuilding their lives after stroke is a long and challenging process. Stroke not only presents physical challenges, but the way it suddenly changes people’s lives and their plans for their future can also cause feelings of depression, anxiety and despair. However, we have seen that with the right support many people can be helped to live fulfilling lives following their stroke.

“As Wales’s only charity dedicated to supporting those affected by stroke, we help to address the emotional, practical and physical needs of stroke survivors and their families so they can achieve the best possible quality of life. However, we aren’t yet able to reach everyone who needs our help and that’s why our Christmas Appeal, ‘I am more than my stroke’ is raising essential funds so that we can be there for more people like Lauren.”

To find out more about the help and support the Stroke Association offers and to make a donation to its Christmas Appeal visit stroke.org.uk/iammore.