A mother’s intuition proved to be lifesaving for six-year-old Ottilie Atkins, as she recovered from a stroke after her mum, Holly Atkins, acted quickly upon noticing unusual symptoms following a day out. The family’s trip to a soft play centre in Hemel Hempstead took a terrifying turn when Ottilie began feeling dizzy and sick after just 30 minutes of play. Thinking her daughter was simply tired, Holly decided to head home early, only to later observe concerning signs like double vision and eyes that were not in sync.
Concerned by Ottilie’s worsening condition, Holly decided to take her to the hospital, where a series of tests revealed the shocking diagnosis of a stroke. Doctors explained that a previous case of chickenpox, which Ottilie had experienced 18 months earlier, had resurfaced and caused swelling in her brain, triggering the stroke. Despite the challenges with her eyesight post-stroke, Ottilie is now home and on the road to recovery, thanks to her mother’s prompt actions and the medical care she received.
Holly, reflecting on the ordeal, emphasised the importance of trusting parental instincts and seeking medical help when unusual symptoms arise in children. Sharing Ottilie’s story, she hopes to raise awareness about stroke symptoms in children and encourage others to be vigilant. The family’s experience serves as a stark reminder that strokes can occur at any age, even in young children, and prompt action can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Ottilie’s journey towards recovery involved a three-week hospital stay and ongoing medication to address the effects of the stroke. Despite the challenges, her progress has been remarkable, with her eyesight gradually improving thanks to the resilient nature of children’s brains to adapt and recover. Holly is now advocating for parents to act swiftly if they notice any unusual symptoms in their children and not hesitate to seek medical assistance, as timely intervention can be critical in such situations.
As part of her gratitude for the care Ottilie received, Holly is undertaking a fundraising initiative, running 31km in December to support Great Ormond Street Hospital children’s charity. By giving back to the hospital that played a crucial role in Ottilie’s recovery, Holly hopes to raise awareness and support for other families facing similar challenges. The community response to their fundraiser has been positive, highlighting the importance of coming together to support those in need during difficult times.
In the wake of this harrowing experience, Holly is also advocating for greater awareness of stroke symptoms and the ‘BE FAST’ campaign, focusing on balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, and time as key indicators of a stroke. By sharing her family’s story, she aims to empower other parents to trust their instincts and take action when it comes to their children’s health. The resilience and recovery exhibited by Ottilie serve as a beacon of hope and strength, inspiring others to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their loved ones’ well-being.
As the Atkins family navigates through this challenging chapter, they are deeply grateful for the support received and remain optimistic about Ottilie’s continued progress. Holly’s advocacy for timely medical intervention and parental intuition underscores the importance of being proactive in addressing health concerns, particularly when it comes to strokes in children. Ottilie’s journey is a testament to the power of swift action and medical care in overcoming such unexpected health crises, emphasising the significance of awareness and responsiveness in safeguarding children’s health.