Stroke survivor to host awareness event

MidKent College student Amber Garland had to learn to speak again following the traumatic incident in August 2009, and has no memory of her life before it happened.

Yet despite also losing the feeling in her right arm and leg, the Gillingham resident refuses to feel sorry for herself.

“I’m motivated and determined to live my life and get on with it,” said Amber. “There’s no point moping around.

“Apparently I had been suffering with migraines and collapsed a week before my stroke, but I don’t remember anything before waking up in hospital and it’s all a bit of a mystery really.

“Strokes are normally associated with old people, but I was only 19 when it happened to me. That’s why I want to raise awareness, to make sure others recognise the warning signs.”

Amber was forced to quit studying psychology at the University of Southampton following her stroke, but admits she has since discovered some hidden talents.

She said: “I didn’t enjoy art at school at all but during my rehabilitation at the brain injury centre I learned to love it, and that’s what I now study at MidKent College.

“I was right-handed before my stroke, so I’ve had to learn to do everything with my left hand now.

“I was also very shy before it happened, but I’m not at all now.”

Amber’s event – organised in partnership with the Stroke Association – will be held for students at MidKent College’s Medway Campus on Wednesday, 9 May.

It will include games, blood-pressure testing, advice, information and the screening of a short film based on Amber’s day-to-day life.

Stroke Association spokeswoman Jane Sedgwick said: “Amber has been such an inspiration. Not only has she shown overwhelming tenacity in rebuilding her life but she’s also starting to give her time to support others.

“We’re so proud of all she’s achieved.”

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For all media enquiries, please contact Steve Knight, Marketing and Communications Officer, on 01634 383277 or email steve.knight@midkent.ac.uk.