A 14-YEAR-OLD stroke survivor and her family have called for a new national stroke strategy to be adopted by the Government.

Emily Simpson, of Eaglescliffe, was just ten when she had a stroke while walking with a friend but, despite her huge efforts to counter the condition, has only been granted one hour of physiotherapy a fortnight.

Now Emily and her entire family are backing a campaign by the Stroke Association to help other victims which include 16,200 people in the North-East.

Emily's father, Terry, noticed Emily's face had drooped and she was limp down one side when she collapsed near her home.

While still in hospital in Newcastle a week later, Emily had a second stroke. One of the nation's leading stroke specialist doctors was immediately on hand and she had emergency surgery. She was diagnosed with Central Nervous System Vasculitis and was left with an acquired brain injury which has affected her communication and cognitive skills.

The teenager had been receiving weekly hydrotherapy sessions but now receives just one hour of physiotherapy each fortnight.

The Stroke Association’s latest campaign, A New Era for Stroke, urges the Government to commit to a new national stroke strategy. A current scheme, called the National Stroke Strategy for England ,was introduced to improve standards in treatment and support for people affected by the brain malfunction, but is due to end in 2017. The association want a new strategy to now be adopted.

A recent Stroke Association survey found that in the North-East, 43 per cent of stroke survivors felt abandoned when they left hospital. The charity is warning that stroke survivors’ recovery will continue to be put at serious risk unless the Government commits to a new strategy.

Emily’s mother, Carolyn Simpson, said: “When we saw Emily had the symptoms of stroke, we couldn’t believe it as we thought she was far too young. We had no idea a fit and healthy ten-year-old could be affected by the condition. We knew Emily needed the best possible treatment and care if she was going to recover.

“Emily initially had an hour of hydrotherapy each week, and now has just one hour of physiotherapy per fortnight, which isn’t enough. Fortunately she’s been able to go back to school but we still haven’t found a speech and language therapist who can support children with aphasia. That’s why we’re supporting the Stroke Association’s call for a new national stroke strategy in England.”

Alexis Wieroniey, Deputy Director of Policy and Influencing at the Stroke Association, said: “We urgently need as many petition signatures as possible to make sure these voices are heard by the Government, so it’s great to have the support of Emily and her family."

The petition can be found at stroke.org.uk/petition.