The Helen Hick Stroke Foundation charity invests in blood test for diagnosing strokes

A charity foundation set up to help people avoid the debilitating effects of a stroke is investing in a diagnostic tool.

Helen Hick from Stamford suffered two major strokes in 2019, leading her and husband Karl to want to do something to support others in similar circumstances.

They established The Helen Hick Stroke Foundation, which is now investing in Cambridge-based Pockit Diagnostics.

The healthcare company has created a blood test that gives a fast and accurate stroke diagnosis, helping clinicians to reduce patients' chances of ongoing ill-health.

A scenario in which it could be used is when a paramedic arrives with a patient who may have stroke symptoms.

They would be able to carry out a quick blood test to verify this, allowing for appropriate treatment and care to start immediately.

Karl, a businessman and founder of Larkfleet Group in Bourne, said: "This swift detection forms the vital fundaments for recovery and after what my wife has been through, it is reassuring to know that a stroke detector will benefit many sufferers in the future.”

Helen added: “If I can prevent even one person going through the same trauma of a stroke that I went through, I will be very happy.

"I have faith that by collaborating with Pockit Diagnostics, this hope of mine will be achievable.”

The Helen Hick Stroke Foundation provides a support network for younger stroke survivors and their family members.

The new blood test would detect large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, in which a clot forms in a large vessel of the body.

Patients typically have to wait for hospital tests for a diagnosis, but rapid detection tends to reduce the likelihood of long-term paralysis, visual or communication issues.