​19 year old man wins National Carers Award

William Hyde from Lichfield, West Midlands has won a national Life After Stroke Award (LASA) for his selfless work as a carer to his mother. The 19-year-old was honoured at a star studded ceremony hosted by the Stroke Association at the Rosewood Hotel in London on Thursday 25 June. The prestigious award was sponsored by Royal Mail.

In March 2014, William was a studying for a degree in Sports Development and Coaching when his mother Janice, 50, had a severe stroke. Janice was in hospital for three months, she was paralysed on her left side, lost her speech and suffered acute post stroke fatigue. When she was eventually discharged home, Janice was unable to walk and confined to living downstairs in a hospital bed. She required extensive care around the clock and was unable to return to her job.

William’s mother Janice said:

“William realised that I needed substantial support and he didn’t hesitate. He decided to defer university to focus caring for me and look after our finances so he took on a full time job at a leisure centre. It’s hard to put into words how incredibly proud of him I am, he deserves this award so much. Having a stroke is a frightening experience, I don’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t been there keeping me going.”

His routine involved getting up at 5.30 am to get to work, then after working an eight hour shift William took on all the household duties, cooking, cleaning, laundry and looking after the garden. He managed his mother’s medication, did daily physiotherpy exercises with her and went to all her rehabilitation appointments. Janice is now able to walk up and down stairs and both she and the Stroke Rehabilitation Team credit William as the reason for her remarkable progress.

William explained what award meant to him:

“When my mum she came home after her stroke it was obvious that she needed me to do what I could. I’m really blown away to get an award like this, it’s great to be recognised like this and I never expected it. Stroke turned our lives upside down, it’s been a challenge but it was never the end of the story. I’d like to think that most people would do the same when someone they love is so vulnerable.

Lily Heinemann, Head of Community Investments at Royal Mail said;

“William’s dedication to supporting his mother after her stroke is inspiring. Carers are a key part of the support system that stroke survivors need as they take their first steps back into the community. Thanks to people like William, we can ensure that people have a life after stroke.

“This is a belief that Royal Mail fully supports, through our Charity of the Year partnership with the Stroke Association. Over two years we are aiming to raise over £2 million, to support 10,000 stroke survivors with Life after Stroke grants.”

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association said:

“Caring for someone after a stroke can be an enormous challenge at any age. William’s selflessness and determination to support his mother is absolutely inspiring. He’s an extraordinary young man and we are delighted to give him this Carers award.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation, 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.