Brave mum's new Head Start

A brave Sheffield mum who suffered a near fatal haemorrhage is forming a team of runners and walkers to raise awareness for a city brain charity.
Team Helen is ready to take on Neurocare challengeTeam Helen is ready to take on Neurocare challenge
Team Helen is ready to take on Neurocare challenge

Helen Foster, aged 51, from Hackenthorpe, has been left with life changing epilepsy after suffering a subarachnoid haemorrhage in 2015.

But despite facing more than 100 epileptic fits last year, she is determined to enjoy life and to give something back to the doctors and nurses who saved her.

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Helen said: “In January 2015 I suffered a near fatal subarachnoid haemorrhage, which came completely out of the blue. I was in a coma for seven days and spent six weeks at the high dependency unit, followed by two weeks of rehabilitation.

“After a time I returned to work as a senior teaching assistant at a primary school, but then out of nowhere I had a massive epileptic seizure. After that they kept on coming and didn’t stop. I was diagnosed with post stroke epilepsy that was so severe I had to retire from work, which was completely heart-breaking.

“Last year alone I had more than 100 seizures. My epilepsy has massively, completely and utterly changed my life. I can’t drive, or even shower on my own.

“That said, I have learned to accept it and stay positive. As well as my brilliant family and friends, I’ve been supported by the most fantastic clinic and consultant at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, whose ultimate aim for me is to be seizure free. The epilepsy nurses have been brilliant too, so I really wanted to do something to thank all of them.”

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Helen is putting together a team for Neurocare’s annual Head Start race, and hopes to attend on the day, even if she is not able to take part herself. This will be Helen’s third year supporting the May 20 event.