Barnstaple stroke survivor raising awareness of lesser-known symptoms after collapse

A Barnstaple man is urging others to be aware of lesser-known stroke symptoms after collapsing on November 7 last year, despite showing no usual signs of the illness. 

Reuben Herbert became seriously ill while walking his dog Maple with his fiancée after initially feeling “absolutely fine.” 

Mr Herbert said: “I started to feel extremely dizzy and nauseous while playing fetch with Maple.

“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.”

After being transported to North Devon District Hospital, Mr Herbert was told he had suffered a stroke and spent five days on the hospital’s stroke unit, Staples Ward. 

Mr Herbert explained that he did not display the symptoms commonly associated with having 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, 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 the outcome for the patient.” 

Mr Herbert is recovering well and was full of praise for the hospital staff who were assigned to help him.

“Every single person that I encountered - from the doctors and nurses to the domestic staff and healthcare assistants - was amazing,” he said. 

“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.”

To show his support and gratitude to healthcare workers, Mr Herbert is raising money to help Staples Ward purchase a LiteGait 900, a 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 on August 1. The abseil is a 180-foot descent of Hartland’s Berry Cliffs. 

“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,” said Mr Herbert. 

To sponsor Reuben, visit https://rdhc.enthuse.com/pf/reuben-herbert