Teenager's determination following stroke recognised (From York Press)

Sasha Dhesi's determination following stroke recognised

8:36am Monday 15th October 2012 in News

A TEENAGER from York who bravely fought to get back on her feet after suffering a stroke has been presented with a Young Achievers Award.

Wigginton Parish Council launched the award scheme to acknowledge the community achievements of local young people.

Sasha Dhesi, 18, was one of the first youngsters to be presented with the award by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Keith Hyman.

The parish said it recognised how Sasha had overcome serious health issues and gone on to succeed in her education.

The Press reported in 2010 how Sasha suffered her stroke while going round Asda’s store at Monks Cross, when she was 12. She felt faint and complained of a headache, and then started sounding drunk and feeling numb on her left side.

Mrs Dhesi drove Sasha straight to York Hospital, where doctors feared she was not going to survive. She could not talk for three months, communicating instead by sign language.

Parish chairman Peter Vaughan said he hoped the award scheme would continue to highlight the achievements of the young people of Wigginton, having been initiated this year at the suggestion of Coun Bob Unsworth.

“This year, many young people were nominated for the awards and selecting the successful achievers has proved a very difficult task,” he said.