Two year old Great Barr stroke survivor receives regional recognition

A two year-old stroke survivor from Great Barr has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of his courage following a stroke on the day he was born.

The certificate for courage was presented to the family at a special ceremony on Sunday 20 January at the Forest of Arden Marriot Hotel in Birmingham. Coronation Street Actor, Kriss Dosanjh, was on hand to present the award.

Harry Denis Winwood had a stroke shortly after being born on 23 June 2016. He was left with right sided weakness and speech difficulty, which he receives regular physiotherapy and speech and language therapy for.

While Harry was initially born without incident, he soon began to have seizures, stopped breathing and had to be revived multiple times. Thankfully, consultants were able to stabilise Harry enough to be able to run tests. Multiple brain and MRI scans and heart and brain monitors revealed Harry had had a stroke caused by a clot on the brain.

Harry’s Mum Emma, said: “We were so oblivious and in complete shock when Harry had his stroke. We didn’t even know it was possible for this to happen at such a young age but it can.”

Now two years old, Harry attends intensive physiotherapy sessions to help with his right sided weakness. He also wears a child splint and orthopaedic shoes to help with walking but still has very limited use with his right arm. Emma and Dad, Luke, now hope Harry’s award will help raise awareness that stroke can happen to anyone, whatever their age.

Emma added: “The outcome of his stroke could have been much worse so as a family we feel very blessed. To look at him now you would never know how poorly he was when he was born. He’s adapted to only using his left arm and figures out his own way of doing things. Harry is such a determined little boy – he’s my absolute hero.”

Stroke is a condition that is often associated with older people but anyone can have a stroke including babies and children. In fact, stroke effects five out of every 100,000 children a year in the UK and the causes of stroke are very different from those of adults.

Jacqui Cuthbert, Director for the Stroke Association in Central England, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many local people were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people like Harry and his parents 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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Image features Kriss Dosanjh, Emma Winwood, Harry Denis Winwood and Luke Winwood.