A TEENAGE girl who suffered a stroke at the age of just ten, leaving her unable to walk or speak, is hoping to raise £5,000 for an intensive speech therapy course in the US.

Emily Simpson, from Stockton, also lost the use of her right hand and was unable to speak, read or write, a condition known as Asphasia.

While she has learnt to walk again, she said there was not sufficient support in the UK for children and young people with Asphasia. Instead the 17-year-old is aiming to raise funds for an intensive speech therapy course in March 2020 at the University of Milwaukee.

Her family hopes they can raise enough for her to take part in this intensive experience that it is hoped will benefit her for the rest of her life.

Emily, who was awarded the Stroke Association’s Children and Young People’s Courage Award in 2015, has overcome many barriers, learned to walk again and adapt to her new challenges, which include neurological fatigue.

She was about to take her dog for a walk when she collapsed at her home in July 2012.

Her father Terry noticed her face had dropped and she was limp down one side so took her straight to hospital, where she suffered a second stroke, which required emergency surgery

After many tests she was diagnosed with Central Nervous System Vasculitis and was left with an acquired brain injury, needing months of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Emily’s mother Carolyn nominated her for the Stroke Association’s Young Persons Courage Award two years ago, saying: “When we saw Emily had the symptoms of stroke, we couldn’t believe it as we thought she was far too young. Emily was an intelligent little girl, learning to play the guitar, violin and the trumpet and had plenty of living to do.

“Throughout all of this, Emily has kept her sense of humour, determination and smile. She has made amazing progress and continues on the long road to recovery. Without a doubt, she has been very brave and is an inspiration to us all.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com/emily-simpson-intensive-speech-therapy