Stroke survivor Simon Allison completes Kiltwalk challenge against all odds

Blackadders’ Simon Allison who suffered a massive stroke in January and was unable to speak or move his limbs, has completed the 25 mile Kiltwalk raising over £6,000 for the Stroke Association.

Simon, 41, an employment lawyer, has been given a fresh lease on life after he suffered a rare stroke which only occurs in just two per cent of people who suffer a stroke in the UK.

Simon first suffered a minor stroke when he went out running with a friend on 19th January, 2017. His friend spotted the problem when he was talking, but making no sense and his face began drooping. Although the symptoms passed, he went to hospital for a check-up and it was while there he suffered a second massive stroke which left him unable to speak and to move his limbs. A CT scan identified that the stroke was caused by a tear in his artery in his neck close to his brain.

Following intensive treatment and rehabilitation, particularly with Cameron Hospital in Leven, Simon was back at work within three months. Keen to give back, he decided to take on the challenge of the 25 mile Kiltwalk with his colleagues Andrew Wallace and Jack Boyle. He was soon joined by more people including colleagues Stewart Dunbar and Laura Lindsay and became known as the Spartan Army.

“If I had one message for people, it would be to encourage them to seek help at the first sign of the symptoms, even if they are short-lived. I was so lucky to be with someone at the time that spotted it happening as I usually go out running on my own,” said Simon.

“I hope by taking on the Kiltwalk I am showing people what is possible despite having had a stroke if you get the right treatment and I am just pleased that the money raised will go towards helping others.”

Jenny Selman, fundraiser at the Stroke Association in Scotland said: “Having a stroke is devastating. It can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. Every second counts when you are having a stroke, so recognising the signs and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial.

“A stroke is a medical emergency – as serious as a heart attack, so you need to seek immediate medical help. The quicker a person arrives at a specialist stroke unit, the quicker they will receive appropriate treatment to minimise the impact of their stroke.

“We want more people across Scotland to learn the FAST* test and share it with their friends and family to help others to save lives, and improve the chance of a better recovery for those who experience stroke.”