A STUDENT from South Tyneside who suffered a stroke has raised £700 for a research charity.
Alycia Milne, 23, felt unwell during her first day back at Sunderland University, in October.
The 23-year-old from East Boldon, was vomiting blood and had a painful headache, but doctors at South Tyneside District Hospital initially thought she had a migraine and vertigo.
However, Alycia, who is in her final year of studying community music, continued to deteriorate and was readmitted – but this time her parents were told to prepare for the worst.
She said: “I was vomiting blood, felt dizzy and had awful headaches, so I went to A&E – but was sent home because they thought it was migraine and vertigo.
“I got gradually worse, and lost the use of my left side.
“I was readmitted to hospital and my family were told to prepare for the worst. I’ve made a lot of progress since the stroke, but have a way to go before I’m independent.”
Almost three weeks later Alycia was discharged from the Harton Lane hospital, but she’s been back about six times for various treatments.
She said: “I’m still receiving treatment, but they’ve bent over backwards to help me on the road to recovery. I couldn’t thank them enough, especially Dr Iqbal, my stroke consultant, and the stroke ward.”
In a bid to raise cash for the Stroke Association, which has been helping her readjust to life, and to inform others that strokes can affect any age, Alycia held a charity night.
Seven bands were invited to play at Springs Health Club in Crossgate, South Shields, and 100 people attended the event.
Alycia, who has not yet been able to return to university, said: “We had a great turnout, considering the blizzard outside.
“We sold 100 tickets, the bands and singers all played brilliantly, the tarot readings were a hit and we have lots of positive feedback from people who attended. A lot of people worked really hard behind the scenes to make this event happen.
“We wanted to do this event because the Stroke Association helped me to get through the beginning of a long and difficult struggle by making life that little bit easier.
“We wanted to raise money for a very worthy cause, as well as awareness of stroke, and that it can happen to anyone at any age.”
Nigel Rickaby from the Stroke Association, says: “Alycia is a fantastic example of life after stroke. Her stroke was only five months ago, and she is already fundraising to ensure other stroke survivors receive the same support she did. “We have given her lots of advice in supporting her to return to university and we’re are really hoping she will get involved in our choir.”
Twitter: @shieldsgazvez
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