Here is stroke survivor Chiara Beer , “Must see”, on the front page of the BBC News website! Chiara created a series of Instagram Reels for Different Strokes, the stroke charity for younger stroke survivors. Her reels drew on her experience of how she does hair, beauty and fashion tasks with only one hand. Different Strokes knew that personal care and grooming was a huge issue for many people after a stroke so they teamed up with Chiara, who has lived with hemiplegia since she was 2 years old.
Chiara’ story first ran on the BBC Newsbeat website
Then BBC South interviewed her and Lauren Hartney from Different Strokes
Then BBC Breakfast with Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt…
And she was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live twice ! Here she is with Different Strokes Chief Exec Austin Willett talking with Naga Munchetty.
In fact, 5 Live enjoyed Chiara’s story so much they asked her back on BBC Radio 5 Live for an update a couple of months later .
The coverage Chiara’s story received was hugely valuable for Different Strokes in raising awareness about young stroke . One in four strokes happen to people of working age but most people’s perception is that strokes only happen to the elderly. If you ask the general public they think only one in 20 strokes happen to people under 67. The idea that strokes only happen to the elderly means that medical staff can too quickly discount the likelihood of stroke when younger people present with possible stroke symptoms. You can read about one such case here
Helping Chiara get the opportunity to tell her story is exactly the kind of thing I set out to do when I started Diversity PR. Chiara continues to go from strength to strength, gaining experience and confidence and building her following on Instagram and You Tube. Take a look at “Chiara’s One-Handed Life” You Tube channel, and help her out by liking, subscribing, sharing, commenting and lots of watching !
And if you’d like to interview Chiara , get in touch on richard@diversitypr.co.uk
If you’re from an under represented group and would like some support to get your story in the media I’d love to hear from you.