Burnley stroke survivor makes emotional visit to meet the people who saved her life at Royal Blackburn Hospital

A stroke survivor has made an emotional visit to meet the people who saved her life.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Norma Lord, from Burnley, suffered a life-changing stroke earlier this year and has survived against all odds, after doctors predicted she would not survive.

With the great care from Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital’s Ward B2 acute stroke unit, Pendle Community Hospital’s Marsden Ward and her family’s supporting arm, she is recovering well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

David, Norma’s son, wanted to give back to his local NHS hospitals to say thank you for the amazing care and to help future patients and their families.

Norma Lord and family at the Royal Blackurn HospitalNorma Lord and family at the Royal Blackurn Hospital
Norma Lord and family at the Royal Blackurn Hospital

Construction manager at Burnley College, David, completed the Pennine Barrier Ultra 50 Marathon in May. After passing the finishing line, David headed straight to visit his mum and proudly gave her his medal and said: “This is what it was all about.”

An experienced runner who has in the past completed the London Marathon, David formed a strong bond with those who cared for his mum and wanted to do something to say thanks and to help future patients and their families too.

David was joined by colleagues Simon Jordan, Solomon Whittaker and Paul Whittaker.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “Although she will never be the same again, we thank our lucky stars that she is here and continues to fight. She has surprised all the staff with how well she is doing.”

Now Norma is stable living back home with her husband Jeff and they can celebrate 59 years together.

Setting an initial target of £1,000, supporters have helped David to raise a huge £5,300 and despite the arduous challenged David added: “I would do it all again for mum.”

The funds raised have been passed to ELHT&ME to benefit Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital’s Ward B2 and Pendle Community Hospital’s Marsden Ward.

Read More
Holker IT boss raises £1k for Cancer Research in Race for Life Pretty Muddy even...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Martin Hodgson, interim chief executive at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I had the honour of meeting Norma, David and the family recently and to hear how grateful they were for everything our amazing colleagues had done for them was a moment that filled me with pride.

"I am so grateful to David and everyone who took part for choosing to fundraise. It is a really large sum to raise from such a huge challenge and we will ensure it is used to benefit others in the future.”

Related topics: