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Physio who survived childhood spinal stroke to run London Marathon for Starlight

Caroline Palfrey who suffered a spinal stroke as a child is preparing to take on the iconic London Marathon.

She will be joining 38 others who are running on April 26 for Starlight.

Following a few days of illness, aged eight, Caroline was rushed to A&E after suddenly losing movement down one side of her body. After extensive tests, doctors determined she had suffered a spinal stroke (when the blood supply to the spine is disrupted in Caroline’s case a bleed) - an extremely rare diagnosis in a child. She was left paralysed down her right side and after numerous tests, doctors believe the cause may have been a rare vascular abnormality. 

Health play was transformative

The stroke came at an already challenging time for her family as just days before her dad had major back surgery. So, while her mother remained at her hospital bedside her six-year-old brother often had to stay with friends. 

Caroline, who lives in Poole, Dorset, was hospitalised for months in Southampton General Hospital for procedures and intensive rehabilitation, missing school and normal home life. This was repeated five years later when she needed surgery on her right leg which had not developed as it should following the stroke. 

While the clinical care she received was exceptional she says the health play team had a transformative impact on her recovery from the stroke, using play as part of her rehabilitation – using games, toys and creative activities to help her regain movement in her right hand and improve her mobility.  

“It was an incredibly scary time for all of us,” said Caroline. “All I wanted to do was walk, write my name, play my violin and do a cartwheel! A big ask under the circumstances!  

“Whilst I was in hospital, I would see the play team most days. My parents prioritised these sessions over school work because they could see how important they were to my rehab – often working on my fine motor skills and mobility through play. They also made the hospital environment less scary and a lot more fun.” 

'They helped the whole family cope'

She recalls how the play team also helped her younger brother cope after the family’s life was “turned upside down” by including him in activities. “It gave us an important chance to express how we were feeling and understand what was going on. One memory I have is the nursing and play team making him a ‘Wheelchair Driving Licence’ for when he visited and pushed me around – he absolutely loved it! 

“As well as having an important role in my recovery, health play eased the stress and worry for the whole family by bringing something so normal in childhood into the hospital environment that is anything but normal.” 

“Most people I meet would never know I’d had a stroke if I didn’t tell them. I feel so privileged that I am able to run. I am definitely not the fastest, but I am able to do it. " - Caroline

Caroline’s hospital experiences inspired her to train to become a physiotherapist, graduating with a first-class honours degree. She is currently working at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust's Royal Bournemouth and Poole hospitals.  “This highlights just how meaningful play in healthcare can be; it truly has the power to shape lives,” explained Caroline. 

After her stroke, simply standing and walking again was a huge challenge and although she has made a remarkable recovery and can do most things she has been left with right-sided weakness and a leg length discrepancy, meaning one leg is longer than the other.

Caroline is hoping to raise £5,000 to support Starlight’s work so more children can benefit from the healing power of play. 

“I wouldn’t have achieved all of this without the support of my family and friends. They always encouraged me not to let my stroke stop me and assured me I could do anything I put my mind to. 

"It’s probably because of this that I had the crazy idea to sign up to run a marathon! It’s my way of showing how far I’ve come - pushing myself and supporting a  charity that is helping to support families through difficult times in their lives.” - Caroline

"Caroline’s story shows the difference play made from supporting her physical healing to taking away the fear of being in a medical environment, and helping her whole family cope. 

“We’re so thankful to Caroline for raising vital funds for Starlight and we wish her all the best for those 26 miles. Caroline’s commitment and determination will ensure more children are fully supported during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives.” - Jonny Wright, Director of Income & Engagement at Starlight