​Manchester stroke survivor receives regional recognition

A 26-year-old stroke survivor from Manchester has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of her courage and determination to fundraise after her stroke.

In November 2014, Kareena Alam was working as a primary school teacher at Newall Green Primary School in Wythenshawe. She collapsed and had a seizure, before having a further two seizures while in hospital. The seizures were caused by a rare type of stroke caused by a blood clot in her brain. Kareena’s stroke left her unable to walk, with short term memory loss and in incredible pain all over her body.

Less than a year on, Kareena returned to her role as a teacher before going on to raise more than £8,000 for the Stroke Association by organising Purple Hope, a Bollywood-themed fundraising evening. She is now planning her second Purple Hope event on Saturday 22 October at Al Maidah, Manchester.

Kareena was nominated for the Adult Courage Award by her mother Rehana. She said: “Kareena’s life has changed drastically since her stroke. She is still in a great deal of pain and has to take lots of medication. As a mother, it has been heart-breaking to witness Kareena have to adapt to a new lifestyle that none of us ever anticipated for her. However, Kareena has turned a negative experience into a positive one and is looking forward to hosting her next Purple Hope event.

“She is such a beautiful, courageous and determined young lady. Her positive-minded attitude has inspired her whole family. We are extremely proud of her and feel so blessed to have her in our lives.”

Kareena received her Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on Thursday 22 September, which was supported by Bayer. Her certificate was presented by Jo-Ann Cannon, Operations Business Manager at Royal Mail, which is supporting the Stroke Association as their charity of the year.

Kareena said: “I feel extremely lucky to have survived my stroke and I’ve been told I can expect to make a full recovery. I organised the Purple Hope events to raise funds to help research into stroke, and also raise awareness of the condition, particularly within the Asian community. I also want more people to realise that stroke can affect people of all ages.”

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

Purple Hope takes place at Al Maidah, Manchester on Saturday 22 October. Tickets cost £25 and include a three course meal, live performances, raffle and auction. For more information, email admin@purplehope.co.uk or call 07763 030 134.