Life After Stroke Awards winners announced

17 year old carer Amy Cook from Nuneaton is just one of the remarkable people receiving a Life After Stroke Award from The Stroke Association after coping with the devastating impact stroke has had on her family. Amy is being honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony at Claridges in central London today.

Amy was only 14 when her mother had her first stroke in 2003. A second in 2006 left her mother with left-sided weakness, visual impairment and constant fatigue. Since then Amy’s life has changed dramatically. With no other adult relatives around she has taken on the enormous responsibilities of providing emotional support for her mother who continues to suffer from Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs or mini-strokes). Amy, who has a heart complaint due to meningitis, also provides much of the physical care for her younger sister Katie who has cerebral palsy and a brain tumour, taking on daily tasks such as tube-feeding.

Maggie Hall, Stroke Co-ordinator at George Elliot Hospital who nominated Amy said:

"Amy is no ordinary teenager. She cares for her mother and sister whilst studying for university and never panics or complains. She’s a lovely, caring person and has responded admirably to a difficult situation with maturity and strength. She’s an absolute star.”

Without her support, the family would not have been able to cope with the aftermath of her mother’s strokes and the needs of her sister. When her mother was in hospital, following a second stroke in 2006, Amy was her sister’s sole career for a week while social services found a respite bed.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive at The Stroke Association said:

“Stroke is the leading cause of severe adult disability in the UK, with someone having a stroke every five minutes. The Life After Stroke Awards highlight how stroke can affect people of all ages and how it can also impact upon families, carers and volunteers. All of the winners have demonstrated true courage in either overcoming a stroke or, like Amy, helping others who are living with the devastating impact of stroke, and I am delighted that we are able to recognise their fantastic achievements.”

Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Health, who is supporting this year’s awards, commented:

"Stroke is the largest single cause of severe disability in this country, and thousands of people live with the long term effects of a stroke. Faced with some extremely difficult circumstances it is amazing to see the courage and determination that so many people show to overcome the debilitating effects that a stroke can have. We're working very hard at the Department of Health to support the improvement of stroke services so that people receive the very best care from the time of their stroke to the long term support once they leave hospital."

Amy’s award recognises her role as a young carer at the heart of her family, helping her mother rebuild her life after stroke.

Amy is one of ten winners who have been awarded a Life After Stroke Award.

Categories and winners of the awards are as follows:

Children & Young People’s Courage Award (0-18 yrs) - Elise Bresnihan 15, Rochford Essex

Adult Courage Award (18 - 64) - Andy McCann, 41 Cardiff

Adult Courage Award (65+) - Diane Macaulay, 69, Norwich

The Stroke Association Volunteer Award - Peter Parker, 64, Colchester Essex

Stroke Club Award - Sutton Coldfield Stroke Club, Sutton Coldfield

Susie Hulks Memorial Award for Art - Stephen Morgan, 50, Bridgend, Wales

Excellence in Stroke Care Award - Stroke Nurse Ahlam Wynne, 39, London

Corporate Supporter Award - Servier Laboratories Ltd

Trust Supporter Award - BUPA Foundation

A number of celebrities are attending the Life After Stroke Awards to recognise the outstanding achievements of these individuals and present them with their awards. Gail Porter, Bob Holness, Sue Townsend, Neil Fox and Ronnie Corbett are among the guests. Linda Bellingham will be hosting the awards.


For further information please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email the Press Office

Notes to editor

1. The Stroke Association is the only national 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 communication 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.

2. A stroke is a brain equivalent of a heart attack. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech Problems, Test all three. If these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

3. The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100

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