The greatest comeback from a spinal stroke at 13yrs old

When our daughter Summer was just 13 years old, she suffered a spinal stroke that left her paralysed for four long weeks. Though she has regained some movement, she now lives with a spinal cord injury that affects her upper limbs. Overnight, her life changed completely — and so did ours.

Thanks to your incredible generosity over the past year, Summer has been able to access vital therapies not available on the NHS. Every donation raised so far has gone directly toward her recovery, funding treatments, specialist equipment, and therapies that have given her hope and progress we once thought impossible.

But along this journey, we’ve discovered something heart breaking: childhood stroke is not as rare as most people think. Yet awareness, research, and support for affected families remain very limited.

That’s why we are now expanding this fundraiser’s purpose.

What’s changing:

All funds raised before 1st September 2025 have gone directly to Summer’s personal recovery.

All donations moving forward will go toward raising awareness for childhood stroke and supporting other children and families facing the same battle.

Our mission going forward:

Awareness: Shine a light on childhood stroke through Summer’s story, helping families recognise the signs and find support sooner.

Support: Provide resources, guidance, and, where possible, practical help to children and families navigating recovery.

Community: Build connections so no family ever feels alone in this journey.

Summer’s comeback story is just the beginning. Together, we can make sure her fight helps countless other children find strength, hope, and healing.

Thank you for standing with us — first for Summer, and now for a cause so much bigger.

Thank you for being part of Summer’s journey. For a deeper understanding & to see more of Summer’s journey, please follow on Instagram @summer_chard & read the updates below