Photography by Five Flow Media
Photography by Five Flow Media

Press release -

​Southampton stroke survivor receives regional recognition

A stroke survivor from Southampton has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association in recognition of her courage and determination.

Laura Herring, 28, had a stroke in June 2016, the day after her son was born. Laura spent three weeks in intensive care recovering from her stroke.

Laura said: “My recovery has been a physical and emotional battle. One that is still ongoing. For me, personally it’s the mental health issues caused by my brain damage I struggle with the most. However the love and support my Husband, Martin showed me when I was in hospital gave me the motivation to fight back. His continued support is priceless. I would be lost without him.

“People are often shocked to know I had a stroke aged 26. Our three sons are another vital reason I want to help raise awareness to others. Strokes can happen to anyone at any time. It turns your life inside out. It’s so vital people are educated on strokes and we gain as much support as we can.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Award was presented to Laura at a ceremony at the Hilton hotel in Bournemouth on 17 January 2019.

Laura was nominated for the Adult Courage Award by Tammy Angus, Regional Fundraiser for the Stroke Association. Tammy said: “Life has changed for Laura, yet despite all the challenges she has faced, her incredibly positive attitude and sheer determination has always shone through. She has shown such courage and bravery in making the best of her situation, while also sharing her experiences to help others. Laura set herself the huge challenge of taking on the Southampton 10K in April last year to support the charity. She is a true inspiration and makes a great impression on everyone she meets.”

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.

To find out more about the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA.

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  • A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. 
  • Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK