Mother of teenager puts recovery down to public support
Austin Dale, 13, was playing football when he fell ill at halftime.
He returned home and hours later could not swallow, stand or move his right side of his body.
Marie Dale speaking to UEAJournalism.com
Speaking to UEAJournalism, Austin’s mother Marie said, “I was looking at my son who is usually healthy and then couldn’t move, it was frightening, words cannot describe.”
She put out a request on social media asking people to send ‘get well soon’ cards and messages of support.
Soon, the message spread until Premier League footballers and Austin’s idols, Norwich City football, got involved with their own messages of support.
Marie described how Austin felt so low he wouldn’t try to speak and ‘wasn’t himself at all’.
But she said the support boosted him to recover.
Now he wants to show his gratitude. “He could finally smile again after the support,” said Marie.
There are many studies that suggest mental and physical health are linked and can have a significant impact on each other.
Around 30 per cent of people with a long-term physical health condition suffer from mental health issues. The King’s Fund, a health improvement charity, said that, “Mental health problems can seriously exacerbate illness. The effects of this are estimated to cost the NHS £8 billion a year.”
Austin has ‘shocked’ physio staff, nurses and doctors with his quick recovery, Marie said. “He shouldn’t be able to do what he can. It’s a miracle.
“We weren’t aware children could have strokes and now, we’re taking every day as it comes and focusing on the things he can do, rather than what he can’t.”
The GoFundMe to support Austin’s recovery has already surpassed their goal of £2,500 and raised £2,775.
NHS guidelines suggest remembering symptoms with the word FAST:
Face – Facial drooping on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
Time – it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.