On 29 April I got a headache-the worst headache I have ever had. Those who know me know I don’t like fuss. I finished my day’s work and went to bed. 24 hours later it was no better and my left eye had started to look odd. I was scared-I knew something wasn’t right...

... but it was the height of Covid as we knew it then and I didn’t want to go to hospital. I called 111 and they sent me straight to A&E. My husband had to drop me at the door. Within another 24 hours I had been examined, admitted, diagnosed and discharged...

... I am writing this as I want to encourage people in my situation to seek medical help. I see too many people turning to the “experts” on social media instead. My carotid artery had dissected-had I not gone to hospital, it is very likely that I would have had a stroke...

As I said at the start, I don’t like a fuss-I didn’t want to overreact and I was scared, but I am so glad I sought medical help when I did. Please encourage your loved ones to do the same xx