‘My wife spotted the signs of my stroke - now I want to help save lives’

When Paul Lunn suffered a major stroke at just 61, the speed at which his wife recognised the warning signs helped give him a second chance at life.

The retired schoolteacher was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary, where specialist teams performed an emergency mechanical thrombectomy to remove the blood clot causing his stroke.

Following intensive rehabilitation and therapy, Paul has made a remarkable recovery and returned to good health.

Now, as Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust marks World Stroke Day, Paul is sharing his story to highlight a message that could save lives: recognising the signs of a stroke and calling 999 immediately can make all the difference.

His experience also comes as a major milestone in regional stroke care has been reached, with a specialist mechanical thrombectomy service now fully established 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across West Yorkshire.

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He said: "When I had my stroke, I was fortunate to receive treatment when I did. Having a service available around the clock means more people will have the same chance I had.

“It has the potential to change many lives for the better, if people in the community know the signs."

Paul now spends much of his time promoting education around stroke and is a committed member of local stroke support group, Roundhay Stroke Support Group, founded 17 years ago.

Paul added: "Knowing the signs and calling 999 immediately can save your life and improve your chances of recovery."

Dr Marissa Minns, Clinical Lead for the stroke service at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The introduction of a full 24/7/365 mechanical thrombectomy service in Leeds is a significant step forward for stroke care across West Yorkshire and a milestone that has taken many people and many years to achieve.

“Every part of the pathway is critical, and it is only through the commitment and expertise of all teams involved that we are now able to provide this service around the clock for patients who need it most."