Health and fitness coach Becki Barratt, 33, experienced a stroke just three weeks after the birth of her second child. She was breastfeeding at home when her hand began spasming, followed by her legs giving way.
Ms Barratt, who lives in Chester, was rushed to Countess of Chester Hospital, where she was found to have complete left-sided paralysis. Doctors are still investigating the exact cause of her stroke.
Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, highlighted that while the overall risk of stroke in younger adults is low, approximately one in four strokes occur in people of working age. She added that pregnancy and the period following childbirth are recognised as times when stroke risk is elevated, due to potential increases in blood pressure and blood clots, though it remains uncommon.
Ms Barratt is now on a recovery journey and plans to run the London Marathon in 2027.