Press release -
Kent stroke survivor wins national award
Stroke survivor Amber Garland, 26, from Rainham, has been awarded a Life After Stroke Award for her volunteering work for the Stroke Association. Amber received her award from TV presenters Vogue Williams and Anna Richardson at the Dorchester Hotel in London on 1 November 2017.
Amber survived a series of severe strokes when she was 19 years old. Doctors put her into a coma and removed part of her skull to prevent brain damage from swelling in her brain. After spending weeks in intensive care, Amber had a year of rehabilitation and learnt to walk and talk again.
Not long after Amber was discharged from hospital, she approached the Stroke Association to ask about volunteering opportunities. Although she still had severe difficulties with her communication, and had to walk with a splint, she began regularly helping out at the charity’s local communication groups. The experience inspired Amber to host stroke awareness and fundraising events at local schools and colleges. Amber also volunteers at the Stroke Association in Medway, helping to recruit new volunteers and advise on stroke policy.
Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association said: “Stroke Association volunteers are all brilliant, we could not exist without them, but the effort that Amber makes to help stroke survivors is truly extraordinary. She has given so much to try and prevent people from having strokes and helping stroke survivors of all ages.Communication groups can be a lifeline for people with communication difficulties because with the right support, people can find their voice again. It is clear that Amber brings warmth, friendship and optimism to every group she attends. She is a very worthy winner of this award.”
The Life After Stroke Awards celebrate the achievements of unsung heroes who are helping to conquer stroke. Find out how you can help at www.stroke.org.uk/lostforwordsor search for #lostforwords
To find out more about the Life after Stroke Awards please visit www.stroke.org.uk/lasa
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The Stroke Association
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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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
Aphasia
After a stroke, around one in three survivors have difficulty speaking and understanding, which can be terrifying and isolating. But with the Stroke Association’s support, people can find new ways to communicate. Find out how you can help at www.stroke.org.uk/lostforwords or search for#lostforwords
Sponsors
The 2017 Life After Stroke Awards are sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation. More information can be found at: www.toniandguyfoundation.org.uk
The Life After Stroke Award for Volunteering is sponsored by The Lord and Lady Fellowes of West Stafford
