A HILLINGDON stroke sufferer is urging people to get involved in the Stroke Association’s new FAST initiative, helping others to receive life-saving medical treatment.

Richard Hein, 63, of Granville Road, a teacher and international musician, suffered a stroke in April 2011. He continues to experience aphasia, a brain condition that leads to language problems.

Mr Hein’s stroke occurred as he was sleeping on the sofa. He awoke to discover he could not focus his right eye and his right hand was curled inwards.

By the time he climbed the stairs to alert his wife, he could no longer speak.

He said: “My mouth was just moving, but there was nothing coming out. My wife was asking me questions and I could only respond by moving my head.

“I’ve always been aware of the FAST test, so, as soon as I picked up on the symptoms, I knew it was time to get help fast.”

The test identifies the three most common symptoms of a stroke and the right action to take:

Face: can the person smile?

Arms: can the person raise both arms?

Speech: can the person speak clearly?

Time: to call 999.

Michelle Dalmacio, deputy director of the Stroke Association London, said: “When it comes to a stroke, time lost is brain lost.”

“The more people who are FAST-aware, the more lives we can save.”

For more information, visit: www.stroke.org.uk/FastForward