Claire Simpson

I was walking to work and I lost the feeling in my legs from the waist down, and I just sort of collapsed on the floor. I got up and went to work, and felt very light-headed. I didn't think it was going to be anything serious. I just thought my legs had gone to sleep.

My GP thought I had a trapped nerve, so she registered me with a neurologist, and he discovered that I didn't have that. This was in the July of that year. In the November, I was coming out of the pub, and I had a strange sensation in my eye, like there was an eyelash in it. I left it til the next day, and it was still blurry. I went to Moorfields Eye Hospital, and they couldn't find anything wrong with it.

In April the next year, I was walking to work, and suddenly I went blind for a second. I stood still for five minutes to work out what was going on. My vision came back and I felt light-headed. I went to the canteen and thought I was going to pass out.

I went into hospital and they ran lots of tests, and when the tests came back they saw I had suffered a series of TIA. I didn't think these things happened to young people.

I was really scared. When I found out, I didn't believe them. I was 23. I felt lucky, though, that I didn't have any permanent damage, except for the damage to my vision.

I was psychologically was affected by it - I wish I had taken counselling. I regret it, as I still have panic attacks and headaches. I'd say to anyone in my situation that they should not panic, and take the support offered. I'd say to families that it's worth getting tested for blood thickness.

To individuals, I'd say: Don't think your life is over if you have a stroke. Don't sit there in your grief, get on with your life.

Experiences of stroke

David Diston

David has completed two London marathons since his stroke in 2001

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