​Six–year-old stroke survivor receives regional recognition

Press release -

​Six–year-old stroke survivor receives regional recognition

A six-year-old stroke survivor from Wolverhampton has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association in recognition of her courage and determination throughout her recovery.

Darcy Leah Mullett was just four years old when she had a brain stem stroke in May 2015, while undergoing an operation. She spent 12 weeks in a paediatric intensive care unit, and couldn’t speak, swallow or walk.

Darcy had to learn to talk and walk again, and now uses a wheelchair when she gets tired. She also has left sided numbness as well as a weaker right side, and has been left with damage to her left eye. She is still unable to swallow, and as a result has a gastrostomy tube.

Despite these challenges, Darcy has now returned to Hill Avenue Primary School, after being home schooled for several months.

Darcy’s grandmother Niki Smith nominated Darcy for the Young Person’s Courage Award in the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards.

Niki said: “Darcy was thrilled to be back at school with her friends again. She has endless appointments for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, having blood tests, with opticians, and a whole lot more, but she is still constantly smiling. She takes it all on the chin and is the bravest little girl I know. Darcy really is a fighter and we’re all so proud of her.”

Darcy received her Highly Commended certificate from Coronation Street actress Shelley King. She was joined by her family at a celebratory event at Birmingham City Football Club on Wednesday 15 February, sponsored by Birmingham City Football Club and A J Thorley & Son Ltd.

Bernice Jones, Regional Director for the Stroke Association in the West Midlands, said: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the West Midlands were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage local people 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

Topics

Categories

  • 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

    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478

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    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
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    EC1V 2PR London
    UK