Guernsey stroke survivor will tackle half marathon for the Stroke Association to say thanks for their huge support

A Guernsey woman who had a stroke aged just 20 is donning her running shoes and raising funds to support other stroke survivors.

Vicki Hewlett will be joined by her best friend Sarah Buddery when she tackles the London Landmarks Half Marathon in aid of the Stroke Association on 6 April.

It comes as the charity unveils plans to launch community support groups in Guernsey.

Vicki, who was born on Guernsey, had moved to Essex aged 16 to follow her dream of working with horses, when she had her stroke in July 2015. She moved back to the island in 2020.

Vicki, now 29. said: “My stroke left me with no feeling on the left side of my body including my face; rendering me unable to walk, speak or even smile.” Fortunately, I was able to make a full recovery, but for a lot of people this can result in a very different outcome.”

“The Stroke Association were a huge support to me and my family, at a time of immense struggle and uncertainty. So it was a no brainer that we chose them to mark this ten-year milestone.”

“Sarah and I started running together as a bit of fun and fitness in preparation for each of our weddings and found that we were a great motivation to one another.

“The 6th of April is also a very significant date, as this marks exactly six years since Sarah lost her wonderful mum, Tina.”

Sarah, 29, had been due to take part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon six years ago, however due to her mum becoming unwell she had to withdraw, which adds to the importance of this day for her.

Sarah’s husband David will be running for the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), whilst Vicki’s partner Chris will be in the crowd cheering them on.

So far, Vicki and Sarah have raised more than £950 for the Stroke Association and are hoping to smash their initial target of £1,000.

The cause of Vicki’s stroke was diagnosed as a PFO – often known as a hole in the heart – which allows blood clots to travel up to the brain. She has since had an operation to close it.

Vicki still loves horse riding, but doctors advised it would be unwise to go back to her old job as a riding instructor, and she now works as a learning and development officer with Channel Islands Cooperative Society in St Peter Port.

Because of her young age, doctors initially thought she had Bell’s palsy rather than a stroke.

Vicki said: “I had just got out of the bath after a normal day at work and I had a bit of a headache but nothing unusual. When I sat down on the bed to dry my hair, I went to lift my arm, and it was paralysed.

“Then I lost all control of the left side of the body, including the ability to stand and speak. The left side of my face dropped and I remember my vision being fuzzy.

“I was temporarily paralysed on my entire left side and was unable to speak for some time following the stroke.

“I was weak and very tired all the time. Emotionally, it was incredibly draining, and I suffered with anxiety. I felt like my whole life had fallen apart, and my confidence was non-existent.”

“The Stroke Association’s stroke support helpline was such a huge support for me and my family. When I was panicking or worried, there was always someone to reassure us or signpost at the other end of the phone. They made me and my family feel like we were supported and not alone.

“I have luckily regained most of what I had before, but the fear of something going wrong again is still always there. I still have some numbness in my left pointer finger and at least once a week I will drop a cup of tea or something.

“I am now in an extremely good place in my life, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and about to get married to the love of my life in July this year.”

Sonya Webb, the Stroke Association’s engagement lead for the South West and the Channel Islands, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Vicki and Sarah for pitting themselves against this challenge and raising funds for the Stroke Association.

“Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters.

“This is an exciting time for the Stroke Association as we’re preparing to launch community support groups in Guernsey, bringing together stroke survivors and carers on the island.

“We’ll be working with other support providers including Headway Guernsey, UnLtd at the Ron Short Centre, and the local health teams. We’re looking forward to sharing more news about this soon.”

To find out more about Vicki and Sarah’s challenge, go to their fundraising page