'We spent all afternoon doing cartwheels. I was too busy to realise I was having a stroke'

MUM WANTS OTHERS TO KNOW THE SYMPTOMS...

- By STAFF REPORTERS

A LEICESTER mum has told how she had a stroke after injuring herself while cartwheeling - but dismissed the symptoms because she was “too busy”.

Susie Thompson has spoken out about her experience because she wants other people to recognise when they are having a stroke so they seek medical help quickly.

Susie suffered a carotid stroke, which happens when the carotid artery is blocked or injured.

But the 43-year-old said she only “clicked” that it was happening when her sons, James, nine, and George, seven, said they could not understand her.

Doctors said she injured the artery through exercise, and Susie said she instantly realised cartwheeling was the cause.

The stroke left her in hospital for a month, and almost two years on, she still has not fully regained her speech or walking abilities.

Susie, who is now unemployed due to her disabilities, said: “I was doing cartwheels at my sister's the day before. I think that’s what caused my stroke.