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'You can't change it, but you can act on it' - the teen stroke survivor sharing his story
'You can't change it, but you can act on it' - the teen stroke survivor sharing his story

ITV News

time13 hours ago

  • Health
  • ITV News

'You can't change it, but you can act on it' - the teen stroke survivor sharing his story

A teenager struck down with a stroke at the age of 14 has been sharing his story to try to help others. Fintan Gould, from Ipswich, was just three days away from his 15th birthday when he suddenly started feeling sick and disorientated. He said: "I called out to my dad late that evening to tell him I was being then I collapsed. I don't remember anything from that point." His father immediately contacted Fintan's mother - a GP - who came over, recognised the severity of the situation, and called for help. She directed the paramedics on what to do and Fintan was taken by helicopter to Addenbrooke's Hospital. He had suffered a major stroke caused by a large brain haemorrhage due to an arteriovenous malformation, which is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins. Strokes usually happen to older people - but hundreds of children are also affected each year. Michelle Donadio, from the Stroke Association, said: "A stroke in childhood is rare but there are several hundred a year in the UK that can be affected." Fintan was in hospital for a month, and faced challenges with memory, reading, writing and fatigue when he came out. Despite the impact, Fintan was able to gradually return to school and had surgery in February 2024 to correct the AVM. Fintan went on to achieve strong GCSE results and, now 17, is preparing for Year 13, studying English Language, History, Spanish, and Religious Studies. He said: "I'll be applying to university this year. I've had to work incredibly hard, especially catching up on everything I missed, but I'm proud of how far I've come." After his experience, he is determined to help other young people and sits on the national Youth and Young Person Transformation Programme Board - one of only six selected from over 200 applicants. He is also part of the Cambridge Children's Hospital Youth Forum, where he helps shape better healthcare for otherchildren and young people across the region. Fintan said: 'I believe that using my experience to improve things for others is one of the best ways to deal with what happened to me. You can't change it, but you can act on it.'Throughout the ordeal, his family were supported by The Sick Children's Trust, which provided them with a place to stay near the hospital and help with educational adjustments and exam support. He feels his experience has given him a different perspective on life. "A lot of my friends get really stressed about things like missing the bus. But for me, it's not a big deal.I've been through far worse and survived."

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