Press release -
9-year-old stroke survivor receives regional recognition
A 9-year-old from Plymouth
was presented with a Life After Stroke Award for his bravery in coping with the
effects of having a stroke when he was 11 months old. Levi Richards was
nominated for a Stroke Association South West award by five different people.
One of his whom was Sally Birch, Levi’s mum. Sally explained: “Levi has been through a great deal but manages to take whatever life throws at him in his stride. He is the bravest young man I know and I’m so proud of him”.
Levi had a strokewhile suffering from pneumococcal meningitis as a baby. Although he survived, he is deaf, has mild cerebral palsy and some learning difficulties. But he has defied expectations by learning to walk and talk.
Stephen Connolly, one of Levi’s teachers also nominated him for an award. Stephen said: “Levi has a lot to deal with, especially for someone of such young years, and yet, he has the determination and motivation to love life, in a way that many of us, with far less difficult lives, find hard. He has been learning to swim recently, and has made great progress with this, overcoming a fear of going under water, and independently swimming several strokes. He is also just starting cubs at his local troop, and making some friends in his local area. He’s a little inspiration.”
Levi received one of the Stroke Association’s South West Life after Stroke Award certificates which 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. Next year’s nominations open on 5 November 2014. For more information visit: www.stroke.org.uk/LifeAfterStrokeAwards
Sally continued: “Levi is normally very shy but he ran up to collect his award. He really enjoyed the night and was smiling all evening. We’re delighted with the progress he’s made and grateful for the support we have received during his recovery.”
Sarah Miller, Service Development Manager for the Stroke Association in the South West continued: “A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, even children and babies. It happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people like Levi have shown in rebuilding their lives, or in helping others to do the same. If you would like to nominate someone for their recovery or for doing something incredible to raise vital funds for people recovering from stroke, please put them forward for next year’s awards. Together we can conquer stroke.”
For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
Ends
For further information, please contact Josie Gray on 02380 720 438 or 07932751486.
Topics
A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
