Mother and daughter help children cope with stroke

A mother and daughter have joined creative forces to help young people impacted by stroke.

17-year-old Anthea Wills and her mother Marie have made a booklet (PDF), helping children and teenagers understand what happens when a parent or loved one has a stroke. It is a cause close to the duo’s heart after father-of-five and husband David had a severe stroke in the Wills’ family’s Craigmore home in September 2010.

Anthea was just five at the time when she and her siblings were told to say their final goodbyes.

“I knew it was something serious because we had to go to hospital regularly. It didn’t hit me until I was older when I noticed how deeply it affected our family.”

David survived and while he is still recovering and doesn’t have the use of his left hand, he is employed and working part-time. Anthea wanted to do something to help other children who might be struggling to comprehend what is happening during what can be a frightening and traumatizing experience.

“I did this because of my own personal experience and the lack of resources available to the family at the time. I want kids in the same situation as me to know that even if you don’t understand what’s going on, you’ll be okay.”

Anthea wrote the words and Marie illustrated the booklet. Marie says it has been rewarding to work with her daughter on a project that she knows will help others.

“It is designed to be an interactive booklet and provides a starting point for a child to explore ideas and emotions. This is something Anthea wishes she had access to when her dad had his stroke.”