Former Labour MP Jon Ashworth has publicly revealed he suffered a major stroke at the beginning of this year, sharing his personal health crisis to urge the public to prioritise medical check-ups. The ex-Labour frontbencher, who is now recovering, disclosed that a blood clot triggered the stroke, which he described as a "lightning bolt out of the blue."
Unexpected Health Crisis
Ashworth, aged 47, explained that his stroke was "totally unexpected," noting that despite being a non-smoker and regular runner, he was unaware of his dangerously high blood pressure. The incident occurred on New Year's Day, resulting in stiffness in his left arm and a loss of sight in his left eye. He suggested that the high-pressure environment of Westminster politics may have contributed to his condition.
Urgent Call for Health Checks
In interviews with The Independent and The Mirror, Ashworth admitted he had previously ignored invitations for free GP health checks due to a busy schedule. He now strongly advises others to accept such invitations and manage their blood pressure. "My message to your readers is to make sure you are keeping your blood pressure under control," he stated, emphasising the importance of early detection.
Stroke Association Warnings
The Stroke Association has issued a stark warning, predicting that by 2035, someone in the UK will have a stroke every three and a half minutes, compared to the current average of every five minutes. The charity is calling for urgent action to address factors like diet, stress, and lifestyle that contribute to this growing health crisis.
NHS and Policy Recommendations
Ashworth highlighted the need for expanded access to blood pressure support and 24/7 availability of thrombectomy procedures across all NHS stroke sites. Thrombectomy is a critical treatment that removes blood clots from blocked arteries and veins. He also stressed the importance of investment in stroke rehabilitation services to support recovery.
Personal Recovery Journey
At the time of his stroke, Ashworth had been planning to run a double marathon for the National Association for Children of Alcoholics. He now aims to run a half marathon for the charity in autumn as part of his recovery. His rehabilitation includes physical exercises like stacking two pence pieces and Wicked-themed Lego activities with his daughters, as well as practising Shakespearean monologues to reassure himself of his cognitive abilities.
Ashworth lost his Leicester South seat to a Gaza independent candidate in 2024, just as Labour returned to power after 14 years. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of health issues and the vital role of preventive care.
