On Wednesday 29th October, Caroline will be hosting a 12 hour Spinathon between 7am - 7pm.

There will be 2 spin bikes moving for 12 hours. Half hour slots are bookable at reception for members and staff to join the challenge.

Caroline will be committing to 6 hours on a third bike between 8am & 2pm, and additional slots will be available on this bike from 7am-8am and again 2pm-7pm.

My Story

On 17th January 2020, I suffered an ischemic stroke, caused by a carotid artery dissection. I was only 37 years old. This was a huge shock and wasn't down to any existing health complications.

I was at work teaching a fitness class, when I was aware that some words I was saying were slurred. I finished my class and was getting ready for the next class when a member came over to me and said I shouldn't be teaching because I didn't look well.

I remember saying I felt dizzy. Luckily, that member went to reception to say I wasn't well, another went to get a colleague from the gym, and others were around me. I was aware I tried to drink but poured it either in front of me it behind me.

The emergency alarm went off and staff were around me. At this point, I don't think anyone was sure about what was happening, my speech was okay again and I seemed 'okay'.

After this, I got up and walked to an office where I seemed 'okay'. My colleague was going to take me home and when I got in the car my legs were shaking. She had previously asked me what I'd had for breakfast, which was a smoothie, and asked me to repeat what I had in it. When I said the word spinach, it was slurred. She immediately got me back in work and the paramedics were called. She was the only member of staff to hear a word I said which was slurred and it was only one word.

When the paramedics arrived, my speech was ok again. They did tests, which I seemed ok with, even the stroke assessments, but my colleague kept saying that my speech had been slurred. Had she not heard that one word, I'm not sure I'd have been taken to hospital when I was. My symptoms could have led to a few different diagnosis, especially because my symptoms were intermittent.

Moving on, fortunately, I was taken to Harrogate Hospital, and was here when I had the stroke. I was then transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, where I received the thrombectomy procedure.

Luckily for me, the surgery to remove the clot was successful and I had a fairly quick recovery.

Over the last 5 years, I have raised money for Stroke Association and other stroke specific charities in conjunction with World Stroke Day on 29th October and during May, which is Stroke Awareness Month.

Stroke Association provide ongoing support after stroke. They put in place the F.A.S.T campaign we see today and they help fund research into stroke and stroke treatments. They were a crucial part of the research behind the thrombectomy surgery I received.

I was very lucky to receive this surgery. Only around 10% of patients who qualify for the surgery receive it and even now, 5 years after I had it, the surgery is not performed 24/7 in a lot of places and is only done Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Without charities like Stroke Association helping to find new, innovative treatments, the thrombectomy may not have existed and this played a huge part in how well I recovered, along with the time I was treated in.

Please help support this charity I'm so passionate about, to help improve stroke treatment, ongoing support after stroke and future research.

Thanks

Caroline

Want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money to benefit The Stroke Association, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about The Stroke Association: Every day in the UK, another 240 people wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke, which can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak, or even swallow. With strength, determination and the right support, recovery is possible. The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide that vital support.