What happened to Holly Dougan on Christmas Day 2024?

Holly Dougan collapsed and suffered a stroke on Christmas Day 2024, leading to a critical illness including sepsis and heart failure.

Can young people have strokes like Holly Dougan?

Yes, although less common, strokes can affect young people. Holly Dougan was 27 when she experienced her stroke.

How does a stroke impact someone's mental health during holidays?

A stroke can cause significant trauma, leading to anxiety and nervousness rather than excitement for holidays, especially on anniversaries.

Home / Health / Christmas Stroke Survivor: 'Nervous, Not Excited'

Christmas Stroke Survivor: 'Nervous, Not Excited'

12 Dec

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Summary

Young mother suffered a stroke on Christmas Day 2024.
She developed sepsis and heart failure after the stroke.
Now she feels nervous rather than excited for Christmas.

Christmas Stroke Survivor: 'Nervous, Not Excited'

Holly Dougan, an early years teacher from Liverpool, experienced a life-altering stroke on Christmas Day in 2024. Initially dismissing neck pains and headaches as a migraine, her condition rapidly worsened on Christmas morning, leading to slurred speech, dizziness, and a severe headache. She collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed she had suffered a stroke.

Her health deteriorated further, resulting in heart failure, a lung infection, and sepsis, confining her to intensive care on Christmas Day. Doctors diagnosed her with takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition causing the heart muscle to weaken. Following weeks of recovery, which included relearning to walk, Holly celebrated a delayed Christmas in January 2025.

Despite the trauma, Holly is focused on creating a magical Christmas for her two-year-old daughter, Isabella. However, the experience has left her feeling apprehensive about the festive season this year, acknowledging the profound impact such a sudden health crisis can have.