Stroke Association

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Verity Jackson-Grant

Verity Jackson-Grant

My Story

I am a stroke survivor!

In February 2024 I woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. I couldn’t think clearly and was unable to control my right arm. I did wonder if I was having a stroke, I think I even googled it, but as an active 44yr old with low blood pressure and no other health concerns, I pushed the thought away and convinced myself it was a trapped nerve. After several weeks of appointments with various medical specialists, I heard the words "you've suffered a stroke" and the world turned upside down.

I'd been masking my symptoms and my tiredness, keeping up at work, travelling to Asia to speak at a conference, and even participating in the Tokyo marathon, and I couldn’t go on. It was a life defining moment that has taken its toll on me and my family. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for those with more pronounced symptoms and little or no support system.

Diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing assistance for stroke survivors varies widely depending upon the area and, frankly, the visibility of your symptoms. My first neurologist nearly didn't offer a brain scan because I "appeared" fine other than my lazy arm, and when I tried to access rehabilitative treatment following diagnosis, my local GP insisted my symptoms were menopause and refused to refer me on. The NHS is amazing, but its support can often be one dimensional and time limited.

Now, 18 months later and following heart surgery to close the hole through which the offending blood clot travelled to my brain, I've recovered well. I have some remaining weakness on my right side, and my brain cogs feel like they turn a little slower, but I'm here, I'm healthy and I'm back in training. I'm just a Boston marathon away from my World Majors six-star medal and I will not be defeated.

In October, I am running the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon with my husband, Kieron, and sister, Stephanie, to raise money for The Stroke Association. It provides tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, funds vital scientific research, and campaigns to secure the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke. As the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families, its ongoing funding is absolutely vital and I want to do my bit. Please help me by donating whatever you can, no matter how small, to this amazing cause.

Thanks,

Verity

 

Stroke Association

Raising for:

Stroke Association
230%

Funded

  • Target
    £250
  • Raised so far
    £576
  • Number of donors
    19

My Story

I am a stroke survivor!

In February 2024 I woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. I couldn’t think clearly and was unable to control my right arm. I did wonder if I was having a stroke, I think I even googled it, but as an active 44yr old with low blood pressure and no other health concerns, I pushed the thought away and convinced myself it was a trapped nerve. After several weeks of appointments with various medical specialists, I heard the words "you've suffered a stroke" and the world turned upside down.

I'd been masking my symptoms and my tiredness, keeping up at work, travelling to Asia to speak at a conference, and even participating in the Tokyo marathon, and I couldn’t go on. It was a life defining moment that has taken its toll on me and my family. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for those with more pronounced symptoms and little or no support system.

Diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing assistance for stroke survivors varies widely depending upon the area and, frankly, the visibility of your symptoms. My first neurologist nearly didn't offer a brain scan because I "appeared" fine other than my lazy arm, and when I tried to access rehabilitative treatment following diagnosis, my local GP insisted my symptoms were menopause and refused to refer me on. The NHS is amazing, but its support can often be one dimensional and time limited.

Now, 18 months later and following heart surgery to close the hole through which the offending blood clot travelled to my brain, I've recovered well. I have some remaining weakness on my right side, and my brain cogs feel like they turn a little slower, but I'm here, I'm healthy and I'm back in training. I'm just a Boston marathon away from my World Majors six-star medal and I will not be defeated.

In October, I am running the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon with my husband, Kieron, and sister, Stephanie, to raise money for The Stroke Association. It provides tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, funds vital scientific research, and campaigns to secure the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke. As the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families, its ongoing funding is absolutely vital and I want to do my bit. Please help me by donating whatever you can, no matter how small, to this amazing cause.

Thanks,

Verity