Dad's Cider Day Ends in Stroke and Memory Loss

In September 2025, Mike Jewell, a father from Barnstaple, suffered a severe haemorrhagic stroke. The incident occurred after he experienced dizziness and fell following cider consumption with friends. Initially dismissed as intoxication, his condition worsened overnight, leading to slurred speech and a severe headache.

Mike was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered bleeding in his brain and performed emergency surgery. He was placed in an induced coma for two weeks. Upon waking, he had no memory of his newborn son and was warned he might never walk again due to significant weakness.

Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Mike dedicated himself to rehabilitation. Within just one week, he mastered tasks like using a smartphone touchscreen and making tea. He was able to walk again and improve his speech, eventually returning home.

By February 2026, Mike had returned to his full-time job as a carpenter and joiner. Support from his community, including over £20,000 raised through GoFundMe by Round Table, aided his recovery. Mike now advocates for stroke awareness, emphasizing that strokes can affect people of all ages.