Hampshire stroke survivor backs Stroke Association’s FAST message

Stroke survivor Natalie Burns, 37, from Hampshireis urging people across the region to be aware of the warning signs of stroke, and share the FAST message to help save more lives.

Natalie, a mother of two, had a stroke in September last year. Fortunately Natalie’s sister Sarah, recognised the signs of a stroke and acted FAST.

Natalie said: “It all started when I woke up in the night with pain in my calf that I couldn’t get rid of. That morning, when I went downstairs to get a drink, I suddenly collapsed on the kitchen floor.

“My family knew something wasn’t right, and arranged a doctor’s appointment for me later on that day. But as I was getting ready to leave, I lost my ability to walk or speak. My sister quickly dialled 999.

“While we were waiting for the ambulance, my eyelid started to droop and I then lost the use of my left arm. Fortunately, my sister recognised the signs of a stroke and quickly phoned the ambulance call centre, who kept the paramedics on route well informed.”

Natalie was taken to Queen Alexandrea Hospital in Portsmouth and received thrombolysis, a clot-busting treatment. She was then taken to Southampton General Hospital and underwent thrombectomy, a treatment that physically removes the clot.

Natalie said: “As a result of my stroke, I lost the majority of my speech and could initially only say ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Thankfully, my speech has returned to normal in most circumstances, but does falter when I’m tired, which is now quite often.

“I am trying to listen to my body more to gain a greater understanding of when enough is enough. Fortunately, I have a great support network around me and I’m recovering well. I regard myself as very lucky and thank all the people who helped me that day.”

The Stroke Association is raising awareness of the signs of stroke, calling on people to learn the symptoms, and call 999 as soon as they spot them.

The FAST test helps people recognise the most common symptoms of a stroke and the right action to take:

FACE: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

ARMS: Can the person raise both arms?

SPEECH: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

TIME to call 999

Esme Mutter, Head of Stroke Support for the Stroke Associationsaid: “Stroke can happen to anyone at any age, at any time, and when it strikes, every second counts.

“We want more people like Sarah to learn the FAST test and share it with their friends and family. Knowing how to spot the warning signs of a stroke could save a life.”

To find out more about the FAST test, and the Stroke Association’s work to raise awareness of the warning signs of stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk/FAST.