A Staffordshire man's personal experience of the devastating impact of a stroke has driven him to take part in a high-profile charity Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) match. Tommy Shaw, 20, from Norton, is fighting for the Stroke Association after his mother suffered a life-changing stroke when he was just 14 years old.
Shaw's mother's illness led to a difficult time for the entire family. Tommy and his siblings were taken into care, with Tommy himself being placed in residential care due to his 'high risk' status. His younger brother and sister entered foster care, leading to significant upheaval and disruption to their lives.
However, as Shaw now explains, this challenging period also highlighted the need for better support for stroke survivors and their loved ones. It's a message that he is determined to share with others through his fundraising efforts. 'Going into care was tough and it sent me into a bad phase in life,' he recalls. 'But I've tried to turn my life around and use this experience as an opportunity to make a positive difference.'
For Shaw, taking part in the Ultra MMA event is more than just a competitive challenge – it's also a way for him to give back to his community and raise awareness about the importance of stroke care. His mother continues to struggle with ongoing health issues seven years after her initial illness, and he wants to ensure that other families don't have to go through similar difficulties in accessing support.
The charity event, organised by Ultra Events, provides participants with eight weeks of free professional training before they compete in front of a live audience. According to the charity's website, Ultra Events has collectively raised over £43 million for various causes since its inception. The next Ultra MMA event in Stoke-on-Trent is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 18 July, at Stoke Combat Academy in Hanley.
NHS England reports that there are approximately 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, making stroke one of the leading causes of death and disability in the country. For Shaw, his mother's ongoing recovery is a stark reminder of the need for better care and support services for stroke survivors. By taking part in the Ultra MMA event, he hopes to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and help make a difference to families affected by stroke.
According to the NHS website, research has shown that early intervention and rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. However, many families still struggle to access these services due to lack of awareness, geographical location, or simply because they don't know where to turn. Shaw's story highlights the importance of addressing these issues and ensuring that stroke survivors receive the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.