Stroke survivor, Richard Djan-Krofa had a stroke in his late thirties.

Richard said When I had a stroke I had no idea what was happening to me, I didnt know much about stroke back then. Also I thought only older people have strokes, I was young, leading a healthy lifestyle I dont smoke or drink and there was no history of stroke in my family.

Richard recounts his experience One morning I was just about to drive my son to school when I felt dizzy.  As we were leaving, I could hear my brother calling me but I couldnt respond, the dizziness got worse and my face had fallen on one side. Before I realised what was happening I collapsed on the floor but I didnt feel any pain.

Thankfully my dad recognised the symptoms and called 999. I was admitted to hospital and was treated within an hour of having a stroke.

Stroke is a serious disease. I lost my speech completely for 5 months and my whole body was paralysed for some weeks. I spent 4 months in a rehabilitation centre where most of my time was spent on speech therapy.

I made a good recovery and was able to return back to work 6 months after having a stroke.

At the time Richard wasnt aware that black people were at a higher risk of stroke and were more likely to have a stroke at a younger age than the white population. Neither did he know how important it was to act FAST when you notice any one the signs of stroke. 

Now he strongly advocates the importance for everyone to be aware of the signs of stroke and to act FAST Because of the heightened risk within our community we need to be more aware of the signs of stroke facial weakness, arm weakness and slurred speech. Calling 999 as soon as you see even one of the stroke signs in yourself or others is essential. Speedy treatment will help prevent deaths and disability.

Stroke is still one of the leading causes of death in England. Its often associated with older people, however the latest research from Public Health England and my story shows that people are having strokes at a younger age. Everyone needs to be aware of the signs.

For more information on stroke visit nhs.uk/actfast

Public Health Englands statistics show that over a third (38%) of first time strokes happen in middle aged adults (between the ages of 40 69).[i]  More first time strokes are now occurring at an earlier age compared to a decade ago and black people are at a greater risk of experiencing a stroke at a significantly younger age.