Celebs Turnout For Child Stroke Survivor

Main Category: Stroke
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 24 Jun 2009 - 7:00 PST

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A seven year old stroke survivor will be honoured for the courage he has shown in his recovery at a star-studded Life After Stroke Awards in Central London on Tuesday June 23, 2009.

Sam Jones suffered a debilitating stroke just prior to his fifth birthday in 2006, leaving him unable to support himself and needing to be propped up in bed. However after 12 weeks in hospital and further intensive period of treatment and therapy, Sam returned to school nine months later.

Sam has been left with some physical and cognitive difficulties as a result of his stroke, and particularly found re-learning to do things with his previously weaker, left hand, a massive challenge. However Sam's amazing positive attitude and astounding determination has touched everyone that has come into contact with him - no doubt being the deciding factors when Sam was recently elected by his classmates to be their class representative.

Sam's list of impressive achievements also include yoga, karate, being able to swim 20 metres on his front and back, and most recently learning to ride his bike again…using only one hand and without stabilisers!

Sam's and his family's lives were changed in an instant by his stroke and is a reminder that stroke does not discriminate; they can happen to anyone at any age.

The Life After Stroke Awards are being hosted by DJ Neil 'Doctor' Fox with other confirmed celebrity guests including TV presenters Adrian Chiles, Konnie Huq and CBBC's Steve Backshall, Strictly Come Dancing duo Bruce Forsyth and Brendan Cole, Silent Witness's William Gaminara and The Bill's Graham Cole, acclaimed businesswoman Karren Brady and GMTV's Nick Ede.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive at The Stroke Association comments:

"Around one million people in the UK are living with the effects of stroke. The Life After Stroke Awards not only highlight how stroke can affect anyone at any age, but also the impact the condition has on families, carers and health care professionals. All of the award winners have shown tremendous courage in rebuilding their lives after a stroke or in helping others to do the same. I am delighted that we are able to recognise and celebrate their achievements."

Notes

1. Over 220 people from across the UK were nominated for a Life After Stroke Award in 2009 and all the winners are available for interview.

2. The Life After Stroke Awards are on Tuesday 23 June at Claridge's in London.

3. Winners details:
Children and Young People's Courage Award - Sam, aged 7, Essex
Sam was only 4 years old when he suffered a stroke due to a virus. However, now 3 years on, and still showing the astounding level of courage, determination and bravery that he demonstrated throughout his recovery Sam enjoys all the things that any 7 year old should despite being left with some disabilities. Whether passing his stage 2 swimming class or readjusting to doing everything with his weaker left hand, Sam's positive attitude and strength of character can be an inspiration to us all.

Adult Courage Award (18-64 years old) - Philip, 57, Nottingham
Philip had his first stroke in 2002 when he was 50 years old. Since then Philip has managed to turn his life into a very positive experience. His attitude to helping others who have suffered stroke is humbling and he genuinely wants others to get the best deal from stroke care and available services. He is extremely disabled by his stroke but uses every remaining ability he has to make the lives of other stroke survivors better. Philip worked in the motor industry and uses the technological expertise he learned to help him maintain a number of websites, one of which is designed for stroke survivors.

Adult Courage Award (65 years and over) - Derek, 66, Northern Ireland
Derek had his stroke in 1999 when he was 56 years old and a very active man. Derek had been training for a mountaineering qualification and enjoyed walking the hills and mountains in Northern Ireland as well as around the world. He enjoyed canoeing, cycling and continues to be a Duke of Edinburgh Assessor now. Derek also hiked up Kilimanjaro which took him 10 days. Derek has again returned to living his active life and doesn't let having a stroke stop him from doing anything he puts his mind to. He still enjoys walking and recently climbed Slieve Gallion in Northern Ireland. Derek is involved in numerous fundraising activities for The Stroke Association Northern Ireland and in 2008 alone raised over £3000.

Carer's Award - Pauline, 70, Crawley

Pauline cares for her husband Mick who had a stroke 8 years ago. They met when Mick was in the Police force and Pauline was working as a civilian in admin for the Police force. She provides much needed emotional support to Mick, who was devastated by his massive stroke. Pauline also offers support to other carers and the volunteers at their local communication group, taking part in a volunteer training session by giving the carer's perspective.

Excellence in Stroke Care Award - Dr Fiona Jones, 47, London
Fiona is the principal lecturer in Physiotherapy at St George's university in London and has championed a unique approach within Physiotherapy which enhances a person-centred approach to rehabilitation following stroke. Her work has helped many physiotherapists to reflect on their approach to stroke survivors to ensure that they consider patients as people above anything else. Fiona is respected at all levels of the physiotherapy profession but most importantly, she is respected by the stroke survivors who have collaborated with her in developing a number of groundbreaking projects. Away from her professional life Fiona loves walking, and belongs to a very informal walking group of friends called 'old women out walking' but is happy to say she is the youngest member.

Stroke Club Award - Stroke Support West Midlands
Stroke Support West Midlands celebrated their tenth anniversary this year and have grown from an original four members to over 70 now. Martin Bird is the club Chairman and his wife Jean who is a stroke survivor will be attending the ceremony. They are very active stroke campaigners, helpers, volunteers and some might say even activists! Keen on helping out in all aspects of the community and have a particular passion for local theatre - especially young people's theatre.

The Stroke Association Award for Volunteering - Bill, 55, Manchester
Bill had a stroke himself aged 31 caused by a blood clot that resulted from an attack by a mugger. He has since volunteered for almost 15 years in the Communication Support Service and more recently in the Training Unit of The Stroke Association. His interests include maintaining his garden - particularly designing the colour schemes in the containers, arranging the plants and plating out the plants. He has also found that using a computer has made a big difference to his life as he has recently transferred all of his childhood photos onto his database and also finds it useful for researching his interest in science and history.

Susie Hulks Memorial Award for Art â€" George, 62, Sheffield

George had his stroke 10 years ago and was left severely affected by it - with aphasia, epilepsy and right-sided hemiplegia. George became involved in art when he was in the hospital following his stroke. George had no previous experience of either painting or drawing and was right-handed before his stroke. However he used drawing after his stroke as a way to practice using his left hand. He enjoys all aspects of art and takes inspiration from pictures, photos or landscapes that he sees everyday - particularly involving animals. George also loves a wide variety of music and enjoys watching sports on TV - he is a big fan of Sheff Wednesday.

4. The Stroke Association is the only UK charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services, which include communications support, family and carer support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

5. A stroke is a brain attack which causes brain damage. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999. If any of these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

Source
The Stroke Association