​Search is on for Merseyside’s stroke heroes

Emma Raven, 38, winner of the 2018 Life After Stroke Adult Courage Award is calling on people in Liverpool to nominate stroke heroes for the 2020 awards.

The Stroke Association is calling for nominations of inspirational stroke survivors, carers, professionals and volunteers. The closing date for nominations is 13 April.

Emma had a stroke in August 2014 just days after she found out she was pregnant following IVF treatment. Doctors found that a bleed on her brain had caused her to have a stroke aged just 33.

Initially scans indicated that her baby was unharmed, but a couple of weeks later she miscarried. Emma’s stroke also left her with several long-term disabilities. Her vision and balance were severely affected and it caused a condition called aphasia, which affects her ability to speak, read and write.

Emma started attending the Stroke Association’s Merseyside Life After Stroke Group, and after making friends with other stroke survivors, she decided that she wanted to do more to raise awareness of the charity and the condition. Since her stroke, Emma has taken on countless challenges, including a 150 foot abseil down the face of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral and giving a speech at the Houses of Parliament to support the Stroke Association’s campaign for long-term stroke care.

On hearing that she had won a Life After Stroke Award, Emma said: “I had tears in my eyes and goose bumps everywhere. I am so happy and honoured and my family are so proud of me. I have a lot of people to thank, but without the Stroke Association I wouldn’t be doing the things I do now. I’d encourage everyone to nominate their stroke hero for the Life After Stroke Awards.”

Winners at the awards will attend a star-studded award ceremony in London on 12 November 2020.

Nominations for the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards close on 30 April. For more information about making a nomination, visit www.stroke.org.uk/lasa