​Cobham stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Cobham resident Joe Marchant, who had a stroke at only 15 years old, is challenging people across the South East to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.

The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.

Joe, who is now 20 years old, had a stroke in his English class at school in 2010. When getting ready to leave the class Joe suddenly collapsed to the floor, unable to speak or move the right side of his body.

Joe’s classmates thought he had tripped and fallen over, and started laughing until they realised that something was very serious. As Joe lay on the floor he began to panic; he tried to get up using the left side of his body, but unable to speak, classmates thought he was having a fit.

When the ambulance arrived they thought Joe’s sugar levels had dropped, and waited with him for some time, but nothing happened. As they waited, one of Joe’s school friends suggested that it could be a stroke after seeing an advert on the TV about spotting the signs of stroke. The paramedics preformed a stroke test and rushed Joe to hospital.

For a week after his stroke Joe was unable to communicate or move the right side of his body.

Joe said: “I remember really wanted to get back to school after my stroke. It was when my friends were all doing their GCSEs, and I was determined to join them. Within a month, I taught myself how to walk and talk again, and learnt how to use my left hand to write. I managed to sit some of my exams at school which was huge achievement.”

Since his stroke Joe has taken part in a triathlon, a Tough Mudder, completed the Great North Run, and even climbed Mount Snowdon.

Joe adds: “I regularly go to the gym to work on my rehabilitation, and although it’s been a long road, it’s been really worth it. I still have slight weakness in the right side of my body, and often have to work hard to rely on my less dominant hand, which can be a challenge.

“By getting involved with ‘Give a Hand,’ hopefully many more people will able to help change the world for stroke survivors. The vital funds raised for the Stroke Association will support people like me who are on the road to recovery.”

Paul Tomlinson, Fundraising Manager for the Stroke Association said: “A stroke strikes in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. Three quarters of stroke survivors lose the use of one of their hands. Often people affected by stroke have to re-learn to do the things they’ve always done – using their other hand. The Stroke Association supports people through this rehabilitation.

“We’re calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ this October and raise funds by completing a task, or several, using their ‘other’ hand. By taking part and raising funds for the Stroke Association, we can help more people likeJoe to conquer stroke.”

To find out more about ‘Give a Hand,’ please visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack. For more information about stroke call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.