Press release -
Oxfordshire student receives regional recognition
A dedicated 20-year-old from Witney has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association in recognition of his support and determination.
In February 2012, 17-year-old Thomas Gray was called out of class by a teacher and told that his mother, Sarah, had had a stroke.
The stroke left Sarah with the speech disorder aphasia, as well as problems with her short and long term memory.
Thomas said: “The day mum had a stroke changed our lives forever. When I saw my mum in the hospital that day, she was so unwell that she didn’t recognise who I was. I remember being so frightened, but mostly scared about the unknown. I hardly knew anything about stroke or its effects at the time.”
Following Sarah’s return home from hospital, Thomas and a school friend decided to set up a charity called Never Gray to raise awareness of stroke and aphasia through fundraising, blogs and local talks.
Thomas said: “Because of mum’s aphasia, people would assume that she was drunk and dismiss her straight away. This was really upsetting and proof of how little awareness there was around aphasia, and the impact stroke can have on people’s lives. I wanted to change this.”
Thomas was nominated for theLife After Stroke Award by Stroke Association Area Manager, Suzy Imeson. Suzy said: “Determination, ambition and motivation must be in their genes, as neither Sarah nor Thomas would be knocked down, whatever life has thrown at them. Whether apart or together, family is always on their mind.
“The early months were not easy for the family as they struggled to understand the complexities of stroke. Thomas has not only grown his own understanding and knowledge about stroke, but has also shared this with others.”
Thomas received his Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at the Stroke Association regional office in Southampton on Tuesday 24 November. His certificate was presented by Stroke Association Trustee Dr Peter Rawlinson.
Esme Mutter, Regional Head of Operations at the Stroke Association in South Central, said: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in South Central were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people like Thomas have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke.”
The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations. Next year’s nominations are now open, for more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
