HE was just 19 when he suffered a stroke at his halls of residence. But as reported in Your Lifestyle, archaeology student, Simon Batsman survived thanks to his quick thinking housemates.

Now the Winchester stroke survivor has backed a charity campaign urging people across the county to learn the signs of a stroke and share the message to help save more lives.

The FAST Test identifies the three most common symptoms of a stroke or mini-stroke and the right action to take:

  • FACE: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
  • ARM weakness: Can the |person raise both arms?
  • SPEECH problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
  • TIME to call 999

Simon, now 20, had a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) otherwise known as a mini-stroke, in February 2013 and says the FAST Test could have saved his life.

Simon was in his first year at University and went to the fridge to get some milk, but collapsed before he got there.

He was weak down one side and his speech was affected. His housemate recognised the Arms and Speech symptoms from the FAST adverts so called an ambulance.

Thanks to the quick response from his housemates, Simon spent just a few days in hospital.

Katherine Staley, from the Stroke Association, said: “When it comes to a stroke or TIA, time lost is brain lost. A stroke is caused by a blockage or a bleed in the brain, which cuts off the brain’s flow of oxygen and causes brain cells to die, so recognising the symptoms of a stroke and calling 999 is absolutely vital.”

Visit: stroke.org.uk/FastForward for information.