Warrington child stroke survivor receives regional recognition

A young stroke survivor from Warrington has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of her courage after a stroke at just three years old.

In July 2016, Lottie Evans had a stroke while on holiday with family and friends in Abersoch, Wales. Lottie was rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor in July 2016 having become unable to walk, with her parents originally told that the she had Bell’s palsy. But following further tests, doctors discovered that Lottie had had a stroke and believed she may never walk or talk again.

Lottie’s mother Claire Marriot said; “At the time we didn’t think it was a stroke because most people don’t think that children can have strokes. We asked if she would recover and they told us that she probably wouldn’t, which was devastating.”

But Lottie was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool the following day, where her prognosis appeared brighter. After two weeks of being an inpatient, Lottie's parents were told that she should make a full recovery within two years.

Now aged five and attending Beamont Community Primary School, Lottie is close to making a full recovery from her stroke after lots of support with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. Doctors believe the stroke was caused by chicken pox, which had narrowed an artery in Lottie’s neck when she had the virus three months earlier.

However, after a routine MRI scan in January 2018, Lottie's parents were informed that she had had a further stroke. Fortunately there are no lasting effects but the family are awaiting the results of tests to determine the cause.

Lottie's parents have now set up their own charity, Lottie's Way, to raise awareness of childhood stroke. Lottie has appeared on BBC adverts for Children in Need and even officially opened the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke event in Warrington in 2017 and 2018, alongside her big sister Lillie.

Lottie was nominated for a Life After Stroke Award by her Jane Guy, Stroke Association Support Coordinator.

She said: “It has been a real pleasure getting to know Lottie and her family. Lottie is always smiling and happy, despite attending Alder Hey Hospital on a regular basis and having lots of tests. She is very inquisitive and always asking lots of questions. It was wonderful to have Lottie and her sister Lillie open our Step Out for Stroke event, and the family have done so much with Lottie’s Way to raise awareness that children have strokes too. Lottie is such a brave and determined little girl who truly deserves this recognition.”

Lottie received her Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on 31 January.

Chris Larkin, Director for the Stroke Association in the North, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many local people across the North West were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people like Lottie have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same.”

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. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA