Press release -
Young Crewe stroke survivor receives regional recognition
An 11-year old stroke survivor from Crewe has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of her courage and positivity.
Shannon Manning had a stroke in 2014, which saw her lose all the movement and sensation in her left hand side. Shannon now uses a wheelchair and continues to have facial weakness, but has made great progress in her rehabilitation. She can now sit up independently and walk short distances before getting tired.
Shannon’s mother, Andrea Wilkinson, said: “Before her stroke, Shannon enjoyed lots of hobbies and interests, including singing in a choir, reading and playing computer games with her friends. She’s currently unable to do these things, but has worked with real determination to improve her attention and concentration, and she’s thrown herself into reading and doing her school work. We’re so proud of how far she has come and how she is overcoming the emotional impact of a long-term condition.”
Shannon was nominated for the Children and Young People’s Courage Award by Fiona Nelson at the Child Brain Injury Trust, who supported Shannon throughout her recovery. Fiona said: “Shannon is challenged daily, both physically and emotionally. She is constantly tested with activities which before her stroke, she could do with ease. Despite this, Shannon has always faced the rebuilding of her life with a cheery outlook and a smile for everyone. This has been an inspiration to her family, friends and school teachers.”
Shannon received her Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on Tuesday 15 September. Her certificate was presented by Dr Khalil Kawafi, Consultant Stroke Physician and Clinical Lead at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and actress and singer Danielle Hope, winner of the BBC talent contest Over The Rainbow.
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 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. Next year’s nominations open on 02 November 2015.
For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA
Between 26 October and 01 November, the Stroke Association is calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ and raise vital funds for the charity. To find out more, visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand.
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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 the leading cause of severe adult 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
