A YOUNG stroke survivor will mark almost a year since the scare by taking part in a first-of-its-kind night-time zip wire.

Arron Walton, 38, was celebrating Valentine’s Day and his wife Jen’s birthday with a night at the theatre when he suffered a devastating stroke.

By the end of the show, Mr Walton, of Blackhill, Consett, County Durham, was unable to speak and first aiders called an ambulance.

After undergoing a brain scan at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, the college lecturer was told he had suffered a stroke caused by a torn artery, which had triggered a blood clot.

He then suffered a second stroke while in hospital, which affected his speech so that he could understand others but struggled to express himself.

Thankfully, Mr Walton has made an impressive recovery and, although his speech is still slightly limited, he is well enough to zip wire 846ft from the Baltic arts centre to The Sage, in Gateshead, to raise money for the Stroke Association.

He will take part in the charity’s Nightfall Zip Line with his wife on Saturday (January 23).

“I was lucky to recover enough to be able to return to work after about six months,” he said.

“As a college lecturer, a huge part of my job is talking to students so I was worried I wouldn’t cope.

“It was a real challenge living with the fatigue and communication challenges. Although my colleagues now say they can’t hear a difference in my speech, I can tell it’s not what it once was.

“I’m so happy I’m recovered enough to be able to take part in the Nightfall Zip and raise money for the Stroke Association.

“The charity supports stroke survivors like me to make their best possible recovery and does so much to raise awareness of this terrible condition.”

This is the first night-time zip wire held in Gateshead and the longest ever seen on Tyneside.

Lauren Flint, regional fundraiser with the Stroke Association, said Mr Walton was “an inspiration”.

To sponsor him, visit justgiving.com/TheWalt0ns.

There is still time to take part in the fundraiser. Registration costs £25 and there is a £100 sponsorship target. Visit stroke.org.uk/events/sporting-fundraising/nightfall-zip-line-2016