Press release -
Sunderland mother and stroke survivor receives regional recognition
A mother of three from Sunderland has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of her courage and determination.
Julie Foster, 30, has survived a series of strokes, experiencing her first at the age of 26 while pregnant with her third child. Julie’s first stroke affected the movement on her left side and left her with memory problems and fatigue. However, her baby Oliver was born healthy and after two years of working on her recovery, Julie was still able to do all the things she enjoyed in life.
In August 2015, Julie discovered she was pregnant with her fourth child, but had a severe stroke in November. Tragically, as a result of the stroke, Julie lost the baby. The stroke also left her with no use in her right arm, fatigue and affected her memory and hearing. Her husband Stephen has now given up his business to care for Julie and their children, Aaron, Grace and Oliver.
Determined to get home to her family, Julie worked incredibly hard on her rehabilitation and returned home after three months.
Hannah Parrington, Peer Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, supported Julie throughout her recovery. Hannah nominated Julie for the Adult Courage Award in the charity’s Life After Stroke Awards.
Hannah said: “Julie has been hugely supported by Stephen and her family and they have been instrumental in her recovery. However, there is no doubt in my mind that the main reason for Julie’s incredible recovery is down to her positive attitude, strength, spirit and fight. I am so proud of how far she has come.”
Julie received her Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at the Marriott Hotel, MetroCentre in Gateshead on Wednesday 07 December.
Julie said: “Receiving the award makes me realise how far I’ve come in my recovery. I really didn’t expect to be nominated for an award and it means the world to me. Now I want to support other stroke survivors by becoming a volunteer for the Stroke Association.”
Peter Moore, Regional Director for the Stroke Association in the North East, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the North East were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage local people like Julie 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
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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 around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is one of the largest causes of disability. 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
