Steph's story and her journey on the road to recovery

So, I’m Steph Kirton, born on 29th July '82. I had my own beauty business before becoming a pub landlady in Bromley. I was in that role for 7 months before, on 13th November 2024, I had a massive stroke and a full brain haemorrhage. I was found by my boyfriend in the flat upstairs, then rushed to the Princess Royal University Hospital. It was decided to transfer me to King’s College Hospital, where I was placed in an induced coma and underwent a craniotomy. My mum was told to expect the worst.

When I finally woke up, I was transferred back to the PRUH in Farnborough, where I spent two months in a specialist stroke unit. After that, I was sent to the Ontario Rehabilitation Unit at Orpington Hospital, where I’m thriving. After just one month, I can already walk, aided only by a stick, and will be retiring the wheelchair in the next week.

I have two children: a daughter, Sadie, nearly 21, and a son, Stevie, who’s 13. All my friends and family have been an incredible support and continue to help me through this incredibly hard time in my life, but it’s onwards and upwards!

My stroke recovery has been nothing short of amazing. Lee Cartwright has also been a godsend, encouraging my recovery every step of the way. Determination and positivity are always at the forefront of my mindset. This will not beat me, and I am determined to get my life back on track, albeit in a slightly different way.

I’m looking forward to moving forward with my amazing hero of a boyfriend, Ed, without whom I wouldn’t be here today. I am eternally grateful to him!