Press release -
Eastbourne stroke survivor backs Stroke Association’s FAST message
Stroke survivor Victor Lawrence, 74, from Eastbourne,is urging people across the South East to be aware of the warning signs of stroke, and share the FAST message to help save more lives.
Victor’s wife, Toni, found Victor in bed one morning unable to speak or move his body. Toni quickly recognised that Victor was having a stroke and dialled 999.
Toni said: “The adverts on TV about stroke have always stuck with me. In particular, the message to get help quickly when you think someone is having a stroke. When I saw Victor unable to talk or move, I immediately knew what was happening. I didn’t second-guess what I was thinking, and I’m so relieved I remembered the FAST test.”
Victor’s stroke left him with a communication difficulty called aphasia. Victor and Toni now volunteer at the Stroke Association’s Meads Communication Group, helping other stroke survivors and carers in Eastbourne.
The Stroke Association is raising awareness of the signs of stroke, calling on people to learn the symptoms, and call 999 as soon as they spot them.
The FAST test helps people recognise the most common symptoms of a stroke and the right action to take:
FACE: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
ARMS: Can the person raise both arms?
SPEECH: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
TIME to call 999
Tara Galloway, Head of Stroke Support for the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke can happen to anyone at any age, at any time, and when it strikes, every second counts.
“We want more people like Toni to learn the FAST test and share it with their friends and family. Knowing how to spot the warning signs of a stroke could save a life.”
To find out more about the FAST test, and the Stroke Association’s work to raise awareness of the warning signs of stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk/FAST.
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