A YOUNG stroke survivor's courage in the face of illness has been recognised with a national award.

Angel Williams, from Stockton, suffered a stroke when she was just three-years-old.

The ten-year-old was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a hole in the heart, which didn't close the way it should after birth.

At the age of two, she was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and had cardiac surgery in July 2011 to repair the defects in her heart. However, Angel suffered post-operative cardiac arrest and a stroke.

Since then, the brave youngster has slowly learnt to talk again and can now speak in sentences. She continues to have a weakness in her left arm, but loves to dance and has joined an after school Diva Dance group.

Angel was nominated for a Life After Stroke Award by one of her teachers, Susan Wilcox at Fairfield Primary School, on behalf of all staff and pupils.

She said: “Angel has shown such bravery and determination fighting a serious medical condition and recovering from her stroke. Despite all of her difficulties, Angel is a bubbly little girl who loves being at school and is always keen to join in with activities alongside her friends. Although she could not speak, she never gave up and found her own ways to communicate with her friends and teachers. You only have to meet her to see what a resilient little fighter she is.

“With support from her family, class-mates and teachers, she has remained in mainstream school and is a popular member of the class. She is an extraordinary young lady who has fought hard to overcome obstacles which many of us, thankfully, will never be faced with.”

Angel received her Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event earlier this month.

Chris Larkin, director for the Stroke Association in the North, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many local people across the North East were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people like Angel have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same."