​Stockton-on-Tees stroke survivor takes on walking challenge for charity

Sarah Harbron, 31 from Stockton-on-Tees, is set to take part in the Step Out for Stroke fundraising walk in aid of the Stroke Association after being left paralysed following a stroke. She will take on the walk at Stewart Park, Middlesbrough on Friday 1 June.

In December 2015, Sarah had been complaining of a headache for around a month, which doctors diagnosed as sinusitis. However one Sunday, Sarah spent the full day in bed.

Sarah said: “I’d been out the night before and thought I just had a really bad hangover. But all day I was really tired and just didn’t feel like myself. It was only when I shouted my mum and she saw my face had dropped, that she called an ambulance. My limbs were completely lifeless and I couldn’t speak.”

However Sarah’s symptoms disappeared within an hour and a half, and after tests, she was discharged with a migraine. Days later, Sarah was getting ready to meet a friend when she collapsed.

She added: “I couldn’t move at all. I had to drag myself along the floor to call an ambulance. But by the time it arrived my symptoms had gone and I was sent home. Just three hours later my face drooped again, I deteriorated in hospital and was told I’d had a brain stem stroke before being put into an induced coma.”

When Sarah woke, she was completely paralysed. However, after eight months in hospital, undergoing intense physiotherapy and with lots of determination, Sarah gradually regained the movement in her left side, but still has right sided weakness.

Sarah added: “When I was discharged from hospital I was using my wheelchair, but now I can walk with a stick and just use my chair for longer distances. The Stroke Association came to visit at home and their support was invaluable. I lost my job as a civil servant as a result of my stroke, and they supported me so much with advice and guidance about finance.”

Step out for Stroke walks will take place across the UK from May to July 2018 to raise money for the Stroke Association to support stroke survivors and their families. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and there are there are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the after effects. For stroke survivors who are taking part it’s also a celebration of their first steps towards overcoming the challenges of living with stroke and regaining their independence.

Sarah added: “The walk will be a challenge but worth it to prove how far I’ve come with my recovery. My cousin Laura Hall is also taking part alongside me. I want to help raise awareness and vital funds to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need.”

Jo Beverley, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke strikes in an instant and causes more disabilities than any other condition. It’s a real inspiration to see Sarah taking on this walking challenge to raise vital funds to support other stroke survivors. Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level. We’re inviting the whole community to come to this fun day out and help us make it an event to remember.”

Step out for Stroke walks will take place across the UK from May to July 2018 Visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepoutto sign-up to an event near you.