At just 20 years old, Vicki’s life took a devastating turn. Full of energy, optimism and a passion for animals, she was pursuing her dream career with horses when a stroke changed everything.
Vicki, now 30, said: 'My stroke left me with no feeling on the left side of my body, including my face. I was unable to walk, speak or even smile.
'I was temporarily paralysed on my entire left side and was unable to speak for some time following the stroke.'
Vicki was immediately taken to The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex, where doctors initially thought, because of her young age, she had Bell’s palsy rather than a stroke.
Uncertainty and loneliness
Vicki said: 'My symptoms kept coming and going. One minute my face was normal, the next it wasn't. It was so daunting. Luckily, they kept me in and, after some scans, confirmed I’d had a stroke.
'I was moved to the stroke ward where most people were over the age of 50 and I think everyone was pretty stunned to see a 20-year-old. Even though there was an abundance of people around me, I remember feeling lonely and isolated. I didn't know what the future held for me.'
Vicki’s parents travelled over from their home in Guernsey to support her and, after a month in hospital, she had recovered the majority of her speech and mobility. She was discharged back to her home in Essex.
'I was keen to get back on track but, after a while, I had to leave the job I loved. I needed to keep paying rent, so I had money worries. I completely broke down at this point. I became very stressed and developed anxiety.
I was weak and very tired all the time. Emotionally, it was incredibly draining. I felt like my whole life had fallen apart, and my confidence was non-existent.
Vicki, stroke survivor
Connecting with others on the same journey
In hospital, Vicki was given an information pack about the Stroke Association, so she decided to try visiting one of the local stroke support groups listed in the pack.
She said: 'It was such a supportive group and the lady who ran it was lovely. After a few visits, I realised there were other people going through the same things as me.'
Vicki also found the Stroke Association’s Stroke Support Helpline incredibly helpful when calling to discuss her worries.
'The Stroke Association was a huge support to me and my family, at a time of immense struggle and uncertainty. They pointed me in the right direction with my recovery and I've met some fantastic people through them. Without them, I wouldn’t have known where to go. They’ve been phenomenal.'
The cause of Vicki’s stroke was diagnosed as a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) – often known as a hole in the heart – which allows blood clots to travel up to the brain. She has since had an operation to close it.
'I connected with another girl my age through the Stroke Association’s social media pages,' Vicki said. 'She had the exact same diagnosis of a PFO around the same time as me. I felt like were on that journey together.'
Running for recovery
Sharing her experiences has been a big part of moving forward in her stroke recovery journey. She says reading about other stroke survivors gave her the initial confidence to do this.
In 2025, Vicki and her best friend Sarah successfully tackled the London Landmarks Half Marathon in aid of the Stroke Association.
'Sarah and I started running together as a bit of fun and fitness in preparation for each of our weddings and found that we were a great motivation to one another.'
Looking forward with hope
Vicki, who has now moved back to Guernsey where she was born, is also thrilled that the Stroke Association has recently started running peer support groups on the island, thanks to the appointment of an Engagement Officer.
She said: 'I think it’s great that there is now Stroke Association presence on the island. Ultimately, it will bring the stroke community together and give a voice to stroke survivors. I’m excited to see how things develop.
'Stroke is a traumatic life event that you can’t control. I would advise other stroke survivors to build a support network. Reach out to the Stroke Association, find a good support group, speak to your family and friends. If there’s something you love then keep that in your vision and, hopefully, that will give you courage to get through.'
The long and gruelling recovery stroke journey tested her determination but also highlighted the vital difference that a good support network – at the right time – can make.
'I am now in an extremely good place in my life. I've got my lovely little dog and, in 2025, I married the love of my life. I'm so glad that I've come through the other side and now I'm the happiest I've ever been.'
Support Vicki and other stroke survivors this Stroke Awareness Month
This year, we're asking you to Make May Purple, so we can help more people affected by stroke.