Children's 'Life After Stroke' honoured

Every year, around 450 children under the age of 16 suffer a stroke, one of the top ten causes of childhood death. Whilst children tend to have better recovery from strokes than adults, they often have residual effects. The Stroke Association is acknowledging the courage of these individuals, with the Life After Stroke Awards on April 26th at the London Hilton.

The Life After Stroke Awards, sponsored by Pfizer, recognise the tremendous achievements and bravery of people who have rebuilt their lives after their strokes or helped others to do the same as a carer or volunteer. The Stroke Association has specifically created a Children and Young Person's Courage Award as part of this, to honour people aged 17 years and under who have overcome the effects of their strokes. The winners of all the award categories will be announced at the star-studded ceremony in April.

Jacob Goodier, 11, was honoured in 2003 after recovering from his stroke. His mother Michelle commented: "Jacob was three, almost four. He was paralysed down the right side of his body, and was as helpless as a new-born baby. He still has some weakness on the right hand side of his body, but he can play tennis and run and walk. Jacob has won a national Child of Achievement award as well as a Life After Stroke award. We're very proud of him."

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association added:

"Every day The Stroke Association witnesses people showing incredible determination in their efforts to overcome the effects of stroke, including those who show true compassion and commitment in encouraging others to rebuild their lives by providing them with support as either a volunteer or carer.

All these people are champions in our eyes. It is vital to celebrate their incredible achievements, which can also act as a positive focus for all stroke survivors, their families and carers."

Notes to editor

1. For media enquiries, please contact the media team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 0328 or e-mail press@stroke.org.uk. Please note that we have an ISDN facility. Stroke Information Help line: 0845 30 33 100

2. Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

3. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke. The Stroke Association has nearly 3,000 volunteers working throughout England and Wales.

4. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

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