Press release -
Wirral stroke survivor receives regional recognition
A mother from the Wirral has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association in recognition of her courage and positivity.
Danielle Pownall, 29, had a spinal stroke in August 2014 when she was nine weeks pregnant. She was in intensive care in an induced coma for 12 days and paralysed from the neck down. When Danielle awoke, each day her movement gradually improved and luckily her baby was unharmed. Danielle was 13 weeks into her pregnancy when she slowly walked out of hospital four weeks later, and her daughter, Isla May, is now one year old.
Danielle is still working on her physiotherapy and has weakness in her left leg, so her husband Tom and her mother help her care for baby Isla. She also now volunteers in Arrowe Park Hospital and has raised vital funds for the Stroke Association in the Liverpool Santa Dash.
Danielle said: “I want people to know that a stroke can happen to anyone, of any age. I used to go to gym five times a week before my stroke, and was fit and healthy. It’s also so important to remain positive; there is life after stroke. The hospital said I always had a smile on my face and I genuinely think my positive attitude made a huge difference to my recovery. My stroke turned my life upside down in the blink of an eye, but I’ve come to believe that it also changed me for the better – it has brought my family and friends closer together.”
Danielle was nominated for the Adult Courage Award by Siân Thomas, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association.
Siân said: “Danielle is a true inspiration and has overcome so many challenges after her stroke. Danielle has a real can-do attitude and I’m sure her recovery is testament to this incredible positivity.”
Danielle received her Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on Thursday 22 September, which was supported by Bayer. Her certificate was presented by ITV Granada Reports presenter Elaine Willcox.
Chris Larkin, Regional Director for the Stroke Association in the North West, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the North West were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage local people like Danielle 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
