A Swindon stroke survivor has called for greater awareness of the illness, after a national survey showed a lack of public knowledge was delaying survivors rebuilding their lives.

Jo Wallace, 42, had a stroke ten days after giving birth to her daughter Megan three years ago.

She said: “I knew what a stroke was but was of the same mind as many, that it affected the older generation and usually resulted in some physical issues.”

Research from the Stroke Association shows more than a quarter (27%) of the public don’t know a stroke occurs in the brain.

The charity say a lack of support for survivors stems from limited awareness of strokes.

45% of people who know a stroke survivor, admitted they struggle to support them in their recovery.

Mrs Wallace said the first sign was a very bad headache that wouldn’t shift. However she put it down to the stress of being a new mum.

“The crunch was day four when even moving was painful,” said Mrs Wallace.

The out of hours team arranged for her husband to collect some tablets, but by the time he returned, Mrs Wallace had begun to lose her vision.

“I don’t remember much after this for a week or so,” she added.

Megan was Mrs Wallace’s first child and she was not aware that strokes were a risk associated with pregnancy.

“My midwife used to laugh at how low my blood pressure and pulse always were. The only warning sign was the headache and in hindsight I wish I had dealt with it sooner,” she said.

As a result of the stroke, the new mum now suffers from aphasia which causes her to forget words or say random things.

“This is probably the most frustrating aspect of my new life,” Mrs Wallace said.

“Outwardly no one would know I’d had a stroke, however I am permanently fatigued.

“My short-term memory is shocking, and my brain takes longer to process certain things like spelling and number recognition.

“I don’t like talking on the phone as I stress about what I will be asked and what the answer should be,” she added.

She wasn’t allowed to leave the hospital until certain safety measures were put in place and she had been taught how to bath and feed Megan.

“I had to set reminders for reminders, for example, to get her to her check-ups and injections,” she said.

Mrs Wallace wants to highlight the fact that strokes can affect new mums and younger people.

“It did not cross my mind that it was a stroke,” she said.

“I actually did not comprehend that I had had a stroke until two weeks later when they were talking about me going home,” she added.

“I think that those that have been affected should talk more openly about it. I take my daughter to a toddler group, however only a few know my story and yet many have just had babies so could be in a similar situation,” said Mrs Wallace.

Her advice to anyone who knows someone who has had a stroke is: “Use the word stroke, don’t make it a taboo. Listen but don’t feel the need to empathise and learn to read the new person inside the old exterior.”

Despite her experiences Mrs Wallace is positive about the future, and would like to complete the AAT Accounting Technician Level four.

“I’m still here and my daughter is growing into a bright young lady so it’s not all bad,” she said.