Rye stroke survivor backs Stroke Association’s FAST message

Press release -

Rye stroke survivor backs Stroke Association’s FAST message

Stroke survivor Frank Nunneley, 72, from Rye, is urging people across the South East to be aware of the warning signs of stroke, and share the FAST message to help save more lives.

In August 2017, Frank started to struggle to type on his computer. Thinking he was tired, Frank decided to leave the computer and read the newspaper. When Frank started to struggle to turn the newspaper page, he knew something definitely wasn’t right. Frank tried to say something to his wife, Julia, but had great difficulty in getting the words out. Julia recognised that Frank had a problem and immediately took him to the doctor who called the ambulance straightaway.

Frank said: “Julia thought it could be stroke and thankfully she was really quick to act. I can’t really remember what I was thinking, but the adverts on TV always show someone with their face dropped on one side, or unable to lift their arm. I really want people to know the FAST test, but also to realise that you don’t need to have all the symptoms. In my case, it was my hand and speech but I don’t like to think what might have happened if Julia hadn’t taken me to the doctor. What’s more, it can happen to anybody of any age, the more you know about the whole range of symptoms that might mean you’re having a stroke, the more likely you are to survive.”

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

Tara Galloway, Head of Stroke Support for the Stroke Association, said:“Stroke can happen to anyone at any age, at any time, and when it strikes, every second counts.

“We want more people like Julia 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.

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 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK