South Shields dad 'wouldn't listen' when wife spotted stroke symptoms, but NHS 'miracle' meant he walked daughter down the aisle hours later
by Sam Volpe · ChronicleLiveA South Shields dad walked his daughter down the aisle at her wedding just hours after having a stroke.
Martin Simpson, 64, had been completing his morning fitness routine at his home on October 30 when his wife Alison realised he was becoming unwell and spotted the early signs of stroke. She dialled 999 and Martin was rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital - there he was given life-saving medication which got rid of the blood clots in his brain which had caused the stroke.
After tests and scans, retired offshore worker Martin was transferred to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary - but when it transpired he did not need surgery, he returned to Sunderland and recuperated on the hospital's stroke ward. After a night in hospital, Martin was discharged the next morning - and able to make it to Shotton Grange in Seaton Burn to escort daughter Emily down the aisle.
Emily, 27, married Scott Phinn, 29 on October 31, with her dad watching on. Martin said: “I was at home when the stroke began, after just finishing my usual morning press ups. I was totally unaware anything was wrong and thought my wife was massively overreacting by calling 999 for an ambulance.
“We had a very busy day ahead, as I had a mountain of video camera equipment to set up for the big day and thought I was fine. My wife however, noticed all the tell-tale signs straight away, and despite assurances from me that I was fine, wouldn't listen and called 999.
“The ambulance arrived in record-breaking time and whisked me up to Sunderland with the blues and twos going. The team there rushed me through the system and gave me thrombolysis."
Martin said his future son-in-law Scott and his best man had even visited the hospital that morning to help make sure he made it to the wedding on time.
Martin also had a message of thanks for the NHS teams who looked after him. He said: "The staff were amazing and this was so reassuring for me, as my daughter got married the next day. I never thought it was something that I may miss out on.
“Because of your team’s dedication, I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle, just a day after having my stroke. The day was amazing, so thank you all, you worked miracles for me."
Dr Richard Telford, clinical director of rehabilitation and elderly medicine, which includes the stroke service at Sunderland Royal, added: "We’re delighted to hear Martin is making a good recovery and we and the RVI were able to help him get to such a special occasion for his family. We wish the newlyweds every happiness.
“The swift actions of his wife undoubtedly helped the North East Ambulance Service our team and then those at the RVI get Martin the care and treatment he needed as quickly as possible.
“Strokes have three warning signs, weakness in the face, weakness in the arm or arms and speech problems, where someone might slur their words or sound confused. If this happens, it is so important to call 999 as soon as you can. As Martin’s family now know, every second counts."
Dan Haworth, consultant paramedic for North East Ambulance Service, added: "Every year we respond to around 5,000 patients who are experiencing the symptoms of a stroke across the region. Of this 5,000, roughly 3,000 of these patients are then confirmed to be experiencing a stroke when they get to hospital. When someone makes a 999 call with a suspected stroke, getting help fast is critical."
Dan explained that Martin was living proof of how a quick 999 call can be vital. To find out more about how to spot the signs of a stroke, see the NHS website here.
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