Downham teenage stroke victim's operation cancelled due to 'no NHS funding' (From This Is Local London)

Downham teenage stroke victim's operation cancelled due to 'no NHS funding'

2:46pm Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Where I Live By Heloise Wood

Bradley Cory

FUNDING for a 17-year-old stroke victim’s emergency operation has been thrown into doubt because his case is so unusual.

Bradley Cory, of Downham Way, Downham, suffered a stroke in September last year.

The sixth former, who now wears a walking brace,  is still recovering sensation on the left side of his body with the help of intensive physiotherapy.

But Bradley’s mother Julie was recently told an operation to prevent further strokes or bleeds on the brain had been cancelled after funding for the procedure had been withdrawn.

Speaking to News Shopper, Bradley said: “I’ve been told this operation is the only option because the malfunction in my brain is so small and deep inside.

“I’d never knock the NHS because they gave me amazing care when I had the stroke.

“It’s just hard knowing how to get on with life when you keep getting thrown by things.”

The operation was originally scheduled for this summer but the London Specialised Commissioning Group, which holds the purse strings for this type of procedure, later told the NHS it could only be funded for head and neck cancer patients.

King’s College Hospital is currently trying to raise alternative NHS funds but there is no confirmation if or when this will happen.

Ms Corey, 58, said: “We were told to consider raising the £17,500 ourselves.

“It’s been hard for all of us but especially him.

“He’s just a kid.

“He should be doing the things other 17-year-olds are doing.”

Before the stroke, Bradley wanted to be an airline pilot.

He now hopes to one day be a physiotherapist.

If you would like to keep up-to-date with Bradley’s story, email julie@mandyandchris.co.uk , call 07887 713414 or visit http://www.bradleysstrokestory.co.uk/