Vicki Littlewood is marching 10 thousand steps every day throughout March with her daughter Lucy in memory of her beloved son Ben, who passed away in 2019 due to a stroke, aged just 17.

Army cadet Ben Littlewood was found suffering a fatal seizure on the kitchen floor by Vicki when he failed to answer her calls. He died in hospital eight days later. His death is thought to be caused by turning his head quickly, causing an artery to tear and sending a blood clot to his brain.

Due to his young age doctors did not initially realise Ben had suffered a stroke until four days after he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Vicki is working to raise greater awareness and research into the cause of strokes.

Vicki says:

“I want to take part and raise even a small amount of money in Ben’s name and to honour his memory, helping to raise awareness of strokes in young people will be a part of his legacy .”

Jo Aurora, Fundraising Manager of Different Strokes says:

“We are in awe of Vicki’s strength and determination to raise awareness of younger stroke in Ben’s name. No family should have to go through the pain of losing a child and to know that Ben experienced a delayed diagnosis due to assumptions about his age is heart-breaking. We are so grateful to Vicki for using this experience to help other families living with the devastation of stroke.”