​Cloughmills stroke survivor urges people to act FAST

The Stroke Association is calling for people across Northern Ireland to be more aware of the early warning signs of stroke, and to share the FAST message to help save more lives.

The FAST Test identifies the three most common symptoms of a stroke and the right action to take:

●FACE: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

●ARM weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

●SPEECH problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

●TIME to call 999

Bill Lorimer, 61, from Cloughmills survived a stroke in 2016 and is now spreading the word about recognising FAST Test symptoms.

Bill said: “I was just making dinner - when I realised I was struggling to mash the potatoes with the masher. I tried to change hands but couldn't. I initially just shrugged off this symptom and sat down to dinner but then I bit the inside of my face and couldn't hold my fork. My wife and son noticed my face had drooped and they did the FAST test.

“Initially I wasn't convincedand tried to insist I was ok but my wife called an ambulance and I was rushed to Antrim Area Hospital where the doctors were waiting for me. It was thanks to my family’s FAST action that I got to hospital quickly. They did a brain scan and lots of tests to see what movement I had. It was then that I was diagnosed with a stroke.

“After my discharge from hospital, I had Speech and Language Therapy and Physiotherapy and the local Stroke Recovery Coordinator from the Stroke Association came to visit me. As I had been a fireman before I retired - I was able to avail of the services at Jubilee House in Penrith, Cumbria where I had intensive physiotherapy, went to the hydrotherapy pool and took part in other physical activities. These aided my recovery greatly.

Life after stroke

“I still suffer from fatigue - I have to be careful not to do too much as I get tired really quickly and I have to be careful when chewing my food as I still have some weakness in my face. Now that I am back from England I would like to continue with more exercise as I believe this will improve my health in the future.

Life savers

I didn’t believe I was having a stroke, if it wasn't for my wife and son recognising the FAST signs and acting quickly - my stroke could have been much more severe and I wouldn't have made the recovery that I did. That is why I am supporting the FAST campaign in Northern Ireland. If you can recognise the FAST symptoms in someone else, please do the FAST test – you could help save their life.”

Brenda Maguire, Campaigns Manager said: “Having a stroke is devastating. It can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. Every second counts when you are having a stroke, so recognising the signs and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. A stroke is a medical emergency – as serious as a heart attack, so you need to seek immediate medical help. The quicker a person arrives at a specialist stroke unit, the quicker they will receive appropriate treatment to minimise the impact of their stroke.

“We want more people across Northern Ireland to learn the FAST test and share it with their friends and family to help others to save lives, and improve the chance of a better recovery for those who experience stroke.”

To find out more about the FAST campaign, and to view information and support available, visit www.stroke.org.uk/FAST.