EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has revealed she suffered a life-changing stroke in May this year at age 59. The actress, best known for playing beloved character Heather Trott from 2007 to 2012, opened up about the terrifying health ordeal and her ongoing recovery journey.
The stroke began with what Fergison described as "a really bad headache in the back of my head." She told The Mirror: "I went to bed but couldn't settle. When I got up in the night to go to the bathroom, my balance completely went and I had to stop myself from falling over. My whole right side felt numb, heavy and tingly."
Quick response saves life
Fergison contacted her son Alex, who immediately called an ambulance after recognising the symptoms. Only The Independent reports that Alex's work with elderly people helped him identify the warning signs quickly. She was rushed to a Blackpool hospital where doctors confirmed she had suffered a stroke.
The impact on her daily life was devastating. "One minute you're walking, talking, going to the shops; the next your world is rocked. It's shocking," Fergison reflected. She explained: "I have had to retrain my brain. I couldn't even pick up a penny at first. You lose the ability to coordinate your hands, to walk properly, your balance is gone."
Recovery brings hope
Despite the challenges, Fergison remains determined in her recovery. "It's frustrating and makes you angry. But I've started to recover - I am coming on in leaps and bounds now," she said. The stroke represents another major health battle for the actress, who was diagnosed with womb cancer in 2015.
Fergison only spoke publicly about her cancer diagnosis last year on ITV's Loose Women. She urged women to "listen to their bodies" after having to push for further medical investigation. "If I hadn't acted on what was going on with me, I don't feel like I would have been here today," she admitted.
Celebrity support during dark times
During her cancer treatment, the late Dame Barbara Windsor provided crucial financial support. Fergison recalled how the EastEnders icon helped pay her bills and mortgage during the difficult period. "She literally wrote a cheque out to help me pay my bills and my mortgage. I just remember, just weeping," Fergison shared.
Metro reveals that Fergison has documented her life struggles in her memoir "Behind the Scenes," which includes stories of homelessness, childhood trauma, and eating disorders. The book also details her unlikely friendship with George Michael, which developed from an EastEnders co-stars' prank.
Sources used: "The Mirror", "The Independent", "Metro", "GBNews" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
