A Gloucester mum-of-three who collapsed in her bathroom following a stroke has died. The mum was rushed to hospital after the alarm was raised, however she sadly died two days later on New Year’s Eve.
The children are hoping to raise funds to give their mum a deserving funeral goodbye. The three children lost their father to cancer six years ago, and now they are faced with coming to terms with two parents who have died, as well as finding money for their mum’s funeral.
Alison Simmonds, 54, from Gloucester was found in her bathroom collapsed by her 11-year-old autistic daughter. The little girl thought her mummy was asleep before her older brother came in and raised the alarm.
She was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol on the Sunday before New Years Eve. There she was cared for by medical professionals for two days, before the impact of the stroke overwhelmed her body and she lost her fight to get better.
Alison leaves behind her three children, Brendan Porter, 25, Jade Porter, 20, and 11-year-old Leanne Porter, and two grandsons. The tragic loss has impacted the family who are hoping to pay tribute to the dedicated mother with a fitting service.
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Jade said: “Mum had a stroke on the Sunday morning. We think she went to go to the toilet and that is when she had a stroke in the bathroom.
“My sister Leanne is autistic. She found mum in the bathroom and thought she was asleep until my brother found her and realised mum was not responding.
“Mum had a very big stroke, and the ambulance was called and took her to Bristol Hospital where she stayed for two days before she passed away. Mum has small strokes before and that was years ago, and there was no indication this was going to happen at all.
“This whole thing is quite a shock and unexpected. It was only six years ago we lost our father to cancer.
“We were really not expecting this to happen and would like to try and raise the money for mums funeral, and would appreciate any help.”
To donate to the GoFund me page to help Alsison’s children with the cost of the funeral, please visit here.
What are the symptoms of stroke?
The NHS has warned that you must call 999 immediately if anyone experiences any symptoms of a stroke, including facial drooping
(Image: Getty)
A stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK. It can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. It’s vital to know how to spot the signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else, says theStroke Association:
Stroke is a medical emergency. The FAST test can help you recognise the signs:
- Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
- Time to call 999: if you see any of these signs.
Other symptoms of a stroke
The FAST test helps to spot the three most common symptoms of stroke. But there are other signs that you should always take seriously. These include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet.
- Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences.
- Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
- Sudden memory loss or confusion, and dizziness or a sudden fall.
- A sudden, severe headache.