Mum Paralysed By Stroke Warns 'It Can Happen To Anyone'

A County Durham mum who was left paralysed down one side of her body after having a stroke says it can hit you at ANY age.

At just 26 years old Donna King was left unable to speak, eat, or even move her body without help.

The mum of one is now backing a national “Give a Hand” campaign through the Stroke Association which runs this week.

Donna from Peterlee told us although stroke is more common among older people, all adults and young children can be affected too.

She says going from being an independent new mum to being spoon fed by her partner was incredibly difficult.

“It was terrifying, to lay in a bed in hospital, wondering if I will ever walk again. I was having to get rolled about to get my clothes put on for me. I couldn’t speak, I used to have to use a letter board to communicate.”

“Anyone or creature that has a brain can have a stroke. All It is, is a clot or a bleed that stops oxygen supply to the brain, so why can’t you have a stroke at a young age? I mean some babies have a stroke while in the womb.”

You can read more about the Stroke Association's 'Give A Hand' campaign HERE.

It encourages people to use their weaker hand to raise awareness and funds.