​Eight–year-old Preston stroke survivor receives regional recognition

An eight -year-old stroke survivor from Preston has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of his courage after stroke.

In January this year, Ryan Dixon had been constantly sick for around a week, and his family and GP initially thought he had a bug.

Ryan’s mother Carolyne said: “We put Ryan’s symptoms down to a bug at first, but one morning he literally fell out of bed when he couldn’t use his left leg. I recognised the signs of a stroke, as my dad had a stroke years ago, but doctors at Preston Hospital didn’t think it was anything serious and discharged us. As we were leaving, Ryan couldn’t walk straight or focus and we headed straight back to A&E. An MRI scan confirmed that he’d had an ischaemic stroke.”

After undergoing tests for months, Ryan has been diagnosed with a very rare condition called PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome), which caused his stroke.

Ryan has now returned to school at Lever House Primary School, and although he has recovered well physically, he still has fatigue and anxiety as a result of his stroke.

Carolyne added: “In February, Ryan returned to school on a phased return; the staff at Lever House Primary School have been amazing throughout his recovery. It’s been hard getting him back to full time as he struggles so much with fatigue, but he’s a little star and has been so brave. Ryan is also hoping to return to his beloved U7's rugby team at Leyland Warriors in the New Year.”

Ryan was nominated for the Stroke Association’s Child Courage Award by Carolyne. He received his Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool City Centre on Monday 27 November, which was supported by Randox Health. Ryan’s certificate was presented by Professor Tony Rudd, National Clinical Director for Stroke with NHS England, and the charity’s Chief Executive Officer, Juliet Bouverie, alongside former Liverpool FC footballer David Fairclough.

Chris Larkin, Director for the Stroke Association in the North, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many local people across the North West were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people like little Ryan have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same.”

Dr Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health said: “We applaud the incredible work done by the Stroke Association and others who help to rebuild the lives of people affected by stroke. We also want to help patients, and are currently developing new tests that will dramatically improve the ability to diagnose strokes earlier.

“We also want to help the charity to spread the message of the power of prevention – and of all health concerns, stroke is the one which may be most preventable by better improving people’s understanding of their health and enabling them to make simple lifestyle changes. We’ve developed the world’s most comprehensive health screening tests – assessing up to 350 individual elements of your body - to empower everyone with the knowledge to make those changes. Our expertise helps people to lead healthier lives, for longer.”

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