Seven year old Lincolnshire stroke survivor receives regional recognition

A seven year old stroke survivor from Gainsborough has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of his courage following a stroke which happened before he was even born.

The certificate for courage was presented to Jack Lyner and his Mum and Dad, Stacy and Matthew, by musician Dave Hill, at a special ceremony on Monday 18 February at the Nottingham City Council House.

Jack Harry Lyner, born in February 2011, had a stroke while still in labour, which was not initially diagnosed until after his first birthday. After months of tests, an MRI scan eventually revealed Jack had had a stroke which left him unable to support himself, crawl or use his left side. Jack has since also been diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2013 and Autism just before his fifth birthday in 2016.

While Jack was initially born without incident, he was subsequently diagnosed with congenital dislocation of the hips at just two days old. Consequently, Jack had to wear a full body harness and attend regular physiotherapy for the next 12 weeks. Jack’s parents and doctors soon began to notice he wasn’t developing at the normal rate, as he was still unable to crawl, sit independently or use his left side.

Tests revealed Jack actually had a stroke during labour caused by a bleed on the brain. Since his diagnosis, Jack has had prolonged seizures and has been diagnosed as Epileptic. Now seven years old, Jack struggles to walk some days but luckily he has the use of his own personalised wheel chair.

Jack’s Mum Stacy, said: “We were shocked and confused with so many mixed emotions when we found out about Jack’s stroke. We were asking ourselves, why had this happened to our son?”

“Jack continues to face many challenges with his stroke and Autism too. He struggles socially and new surroundings cause him worry and anxiety which we have to take into account wherever we go as a family”

“Jack is a very determined young man. He tries so hard to enjoy life to the full, no matter what hurdles are thrown in front of him. Jack is a huge sports fan and loves to play disability football, table tennis, cricket and he is also the lucky mascot for his favourite team, Gainsborough Trinity F.C. We are extremely proud of our son and all that he has achieved, some days are easier than others but you have to take the rough with the smooth”

Jack also has a passion for fundraising. With the help of his family, he has helped raise thousands of pounds for various charities, including his local hospital, and has taken part in the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke campaign, four years in a row.

Stroke is a condition that is often associated with older people but anyone can have a stroke including babies and children. In fact, stroke effects five out of every 100,000 children a year in the UK and the causes of stroke are very different from those of adults.

Jacqui Cuthbert, Director for the Stroke Association in Central England, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many local people were nominated to receive a Life after Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people like Jack and his parents have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards 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. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA

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Image features Jack Lyner and musician and founding member of the band Slade, Dave Hill.

For more information please contact Ken Scott on 0115 7788429 or email ken.scott@stroke.org.uk