'My son was just 4 years old when he had a stroke at breakfast - I had no idea it could happen'

'My son was just 4 years old when he had a stroke at breakfast - I had no idea it could happen' It was a normal morning when it happened The mother of a four-year-old boy who suffered a sudden stroke while having breakfast has spoken out to share the warning signs – after both she and doctors thought he was “too young” for the health scare. While often associated with something that happens later in life, little Jack Wade’s speech started to slur and one side of his face drooped during a normal morning. Although the symptoms initially disappeared, they returned later that morning and Jack subsequently collapsed, struggling to speak and move one side of his body. His terrified mum, Leanne, was initially reassured that a stroke was unlikely because of Jack’s young age and the fact that his symptoms had eased. But her instinct said something was seriously wrong, and she rushed him to their local hospital. Following further episodes and urgent scans, Jack was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he was diagnosed with an ischaemic stroke. Leanne, from South Ockendon, Essex, said: “Nothing prepares you for hearing that your four-year-old has had a stroke. You don't expect those words to ever be part of your life. “I never knew children could have strokes before this happened to Jack. I never imagined I would have to recognise the signs in my four-year-old.” Chances of stroke in younger people According to the Stroke Association, despite one in four strokes happening to people of working age, a third of Brits aged 18-34 (34%) and almost a quarter of 35-44 year-olds (24%) believe they’re too young to have one. Doctors later believed the stroke was linked to inflammation of the blood vessels in Jack’s brain following an earlier chickenpox infection. He spent three weeks in hospital in May 2026, including time at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Basildon Hospital, receiving treatment and undergoing numerous tests. Since his stroke, Jack has made encouraging progress. His facial drooping has improved, his confidence has returned and he continues to regain abilities. However, the experience has had a lasting impact on the whole family and Jack still takes daily medication as he prepares to start school. His worried mum is still concerned about a repeat incident. Worried about future Leanne said: “You can be incredibly grateful that your child is here and doing well, while still being frightened about what might happen next. Both feelings can exist at the same time. I don't want another mum to hear that their child is too young to have a stroke when they are seeing the signs in front of them.” Despite everything he has been through, Jack remains a lively little boy who loves spending time with his family, especially his younger brother, George. Leanne hopes that sharing his story will help other families understand that stroke can affect children, too, while encouraging people to see beyond a diagnosis. She added: “Jack is so much more than his stroke. He is my little boy. He is George’s big brother. He is funny, confident, cheeky and full of life. His stroke is a part of his story, but it does not define who he is.” Leanne is sharing his story as part of the Stroke Association’s ‘Survival Is Not Enough’ campaign, raising awareness of childhood stroke and the importance of recognising the signs, even in very young children. She added: “My message to other parents is simple: trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone. “You know how they normally speak, how they move and what their face normally looks like. If something suddenly changes and it doesn’t feel right, speak up. Keep asking questions.”