Three-year-old Henry’s mini strokes inspire his mum’s book to help other families

A Crowthorne mum whose young son collapsed in his bedroom during a mini stroke has written a children’s book to raise awareness with other parents.

Cat Davies hopes parents will be able to use the book to explain strokes to their children should they go through the same frightening experience that she and husband Ian had with their son, Henry, last year.

All profits from the sales will be going to Southampton Hospital Paediatrics, where Henry was treated, and the Stroke Association, the UK’s leading stroke support charity, which has a dedicated childhood stroke support team.

Henry was aged three and a half when he started having Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) – also known as mini strokes – which are temporary blockages of blood flow to the brain which causes symptoms for only a short time. Initially, Henry’s parents didn’t recognise what was happening as such strokes in children are incredibly rare.

Cat said: “Henry had a few odd turns that looked like strokes, but he recovered very quickly after a couple of minutes and because of this, we disregarded them, and assumed it was pins and needles. Then one day I was reading a story to him in his bedroom, and he tried to reach up for an aeroplane hanging from his ceiling, but he couldn’t stand up. He started laughing, was falling over on his bed, his mouth drooped and then he couldn’t speak.

“This time I believed that he was having a stroke. I’d seen the adverts for the FAST campaign, and he was showing the classic signs. But I thought what’s going on, children don’t have strokes.”

In fact, Henry had become one of around 400 children in the UK each year who have a stroke. Doctors told the family it may have been caused after catching chickenpox, which is linked to an increased risk of childhood stroke for around six months after the infection.

In total, Henry had eight TIAs, including some whilst he was in hospital. Although the impact of this type of stroke is temporary, it often precedes a full stroke. It is essential to seek urgent medical attention if anyone of any age has any of the most common symptoms of stroke including facial drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech.

Henry needs to take a daily aspirin for at least two years to help prevent any blood clots forming, but he is recovering well from his ordeal.

Cat said: “He's his usual self and looking forward to starting school in September. We’re lucky that Henry seems to have minimal brain damage and isn't showing any issues as a result of the TIAs and we're hoping it stays that way as he grows and develops. You wouldn’t know what he’s been through and he’s been very lucky.”

Cat has drawn on Henry’s experience to write ‘Harry’s Wibbly Wobbly Moments’ a book largely based on Henry’s ordeal including having an MRI scan of his brain.

Cat, who works leading companies through large IT projects added: “We had such an awful time, I was completely traumatised by it and I wanted to make sure Henry could process it all himself. I thought surely there’s a book on this for children but there wasn’t – only about older people having strokes.

“So, I thought I’d write the book. I stayed strong for Henry and wanted something positive to come out of it to increase awareness and to also help children understand it if it happens to them.”

“The book is aimed at kids aged three to six. It’s fun for them and not too serious - I didn’t want it to be depressing so I’ve made sure it has a positive ending. Our cat, Rocket, is also featured in the book. Henry likes reading the book – he knows he’s the lead character in it and it helps him understand what has been happening and helps to prepare him for follow-up appointments.”

Cat will be signing copies of the book at a launch event at the Two Sisters Café in High Street, Crowthorne, on Saturday 1 August, 3.30pm to 5pm. Harry’s Wibbly Wobbly Moments is also on sale on Amazon at £7.99.

The Stroke Association’s childhood stroke support team Childhood Stroke Support Team provides practical information and emotional support to families whose child has a stroke. They also link people with other parents whose child has had a stroke for mutual support. Find out more at https://www.stroke.org.uk/stro...