A Barnstaple man who suffered a stroke while walking his dog is raising awareness of some of the lesser-known symptoms of an attack.
Reuben Herbert, 47, is also raising money to say thank-you to NHS workers who saved his life after he became ill on November 7 last year.
What started as a regular early morning ramble with his fiancée and dog Maple soon ended with him being blue-lighted to North Devon District Hospital.
“I got up in the morning and felt absolutely fine but I started to feel extremely dizzy and nauseous while playing fetch with Maple,” said Reuben.
“I lost all my coordination and was falling around all over the place; when my fiancée tried to steady me, all I wanted to do was lie on the floor. Everything was spinning and it was scary because I didn’t know what was going on.”
Reuben doesn’t remember anything after that but he was taken to A&E by ambulance, where staff explained to his fiancée that they suspected he’d suffered a severe stroke and that she should prepare for the worst.
He spent nearly a week on Staples Ward, the hospital’s stoke unit, initially unable to walk or do anything for himself.
It was a truly frightening experience and I was so close to not being here today.
– Reuben Herbert, stroke survivor and fundraiser
“The first thing I remember is waking up on Staples Ward and having my blood pressure taken by a chap called Martin. He asked me if I knew where I was and explained that I’d had a stroke.
“I’m normally fit and healthy. I don’t smoke or drink and I didn’t have any of the usual symptoms of a stroke – drooping face, arm weakness, speech difficulties, sudden numbness, confusion, loss of vision loss, or a severe headache.
“Mine were extreme dizziness and nausea but as with the more commonly-known symptoms, the faster you can act, the better outcome for the patient.”
Three months on from his ordeal and Reuben is recovering well but he said doctors were still unsure why he had suffered a stroke.
“I spent five days on Staples Ward and every single person that I encountered – from the doctors and nurses to the domestic staff and healthcare assistants – was amazing,” he said.
“In less than a week, I went from being not even able to sit on the edge of the bed without feeling ill or disorientated, to waking out of hospital.
“Fast forward to today and thanks to their outstanding and professional care, and the immediate action of my wonderful partner, it seems like a different story. I am recovering so well and my mobility is improving all the time. My cognitive function and fine motor skills are also greatly improved.
“I felt that staff truly cared about my recovery and exceeded my expectations and now I want to give something back to show my gratitude.”
To show his support, Reuben is raising money to help the ward to purchase a LiteGait 900, a type of weight-bearing walking treadmill commonly used for stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, and other mobility-related conditions.
He will be taking part in the Berry Beast Abseil, organised by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (formerly known and Over and Above) on August 1. The mammoth 180ft descent of Hartland’s Berry Cliffs, is taking place in conjunction with local outdoor activity specialists Skern Lodge.
“I’ve never done anything like this before and have a teeny problem with heights but I’m determined to do this to say thank you for the care I received,” said Reuben.
“Every penny that I’m able to raise will go to Staples Ward, helping to enhance patient care over and above what’s possible with NHS funding alone.”
Josh Allen, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Fundraising Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that Reuben is recovering so well after what he’s been through.
We’re thrilled that he’s taking on such a huge challenge to show his love for his local NHS.
– Josh Allen, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Fundraising Manager
“We’ve only just opened registration for this year’s Berry Beast so there are still plenty of places left if anyone would like to join him on August 1.
“Registration is just £25 with a £100 minimum sponsorship target so just visit the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity website or give us a call on 01271 311772 for more information.
“The Berry Beast really is a breath-taking challenge in one of North Devon’s most stunning locations and a brilliant way to support your local NHS.”
