Young stroke survivor wins national award for volunteering

Stroke survivor Sarah Scott, 23, from Welwyn, Hertfordshire, has won a national Life After Stroke Award. Sarah was presented with her award for volunteering by MasterChef 2014 winner Ping Coombes and UK Voice 2014 winner Jermain Jackman at a star studded ceremony hosted by the Stroke Association in London on 12 June.

Sarah was 18 years old when she had a stroke at school. She said: “I was reading aloud in my English class when I suddenly couldn't speak. Luckily my classmates recognised the signs from the FAST adverts on television and I got to hospital quickly.”

Initially Sarah could not swallow, walk or talk, and underwent four months of intensive rehabilitation.
Sarah now has aphasia as a result of her stroke; a condition limiting her ability to read, write or speak. 

Following her stroke, Sarah was unable to go to university as she had originally planned. She set up a Stroke Association communication group in Welwyn to help other local stroke survivors with their recovery. She has now become an ambassador for the Stroke Association and regularly speaks at events around the country to raise awareness about stroke. In 2013, Sarah appeared on the Channel 4 programme ‘The Undateables’ to highlight the challenges of aphasia. She also regularly fundraises for the charity, last year completing a ‘fire walk’ that raised over £2,000. 

Sarah’s mother Joanie, who nominated her daughter for the award, said: “The stroke affected Sarah’s ability to communicate but not her intelligence, humour or determination to help others. It’s such a common myth that stroke only happens to older people, and there is still so much ignorance about aphasia. Sarah is extremely positive. She is working part-time at Richard Hale School in Hertford and continues to volunteer with the Stroke Association. We could not be more proud of her.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation, 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.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association said: “The Life After Stroke Award for volunteering celebrates courage, initiative and generosity of spirit. Sarah dedicates so much time to helping others; her tireless efforts touch many people who are going through the hardest periods of their lives following a stroke. That she has given so much to others whilst making her own recovery
from stroke shows outstanding compassion and commitment. She should be extremely proud of everything she has achieved.”

On winning her award, Sarah said: “My stroke changed the course of my life for ever, but my recovery has given me a new sense of purpose. I’ve accomplished things I would never have done before. I love volunteering; the enjoyment you feel through helping others is indescribable. I am so honoured to have won this award.”

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