A 30 year-old Shropshire man whose girlfriend saved his life celebrated the couple’s impending wedding with a charity fundraising event on Saturday.

Owain Wyn-Jones suffered a stroke earlier this year and it was only the quick thinking of his then girlfriend, now fiancée Laraine Adams that saved his life.

“Laraine had seen the FAST television advertising campaign that the government ran earlier this year, so when I woke up and started acting oddly she realised straight away what was wrong,” Owain explained.

Shifnal-based Owain was staying with friends so was rushed to North Staffordshire Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent where he was diagnosed with a stroke, but eight months later he fought back to be able to take part in The Stroke Association’s Treetop Challenge at Wyre Forest in Worcestershire on Saturday.

“The staff at the hospital undoubtedly saved my life, and had it not been for the TV adverts I dread to think what might have happened.

“I’d had a glass or two of wine the night before so what if it had been put down to a hangover and I’d gone back to bed?” explained Owain.

“I’m passionate about not just raising funds for The Stroke Association but also awareness of the symptoms.

“I was only 30 and am living proof that strokes don’t just affect older people – look for the FAST symptoms – Facial Weakness; Arm Weakness; Speech Problems; Time to call 999,” he added.

Soon after being discharged from hospital, Owain proposed to Laraine and the couple plan to tie the knot at Rowton Castle near Shrewsbury on December 17th, but wanted to celebrate in style by taking part in the charity event organised by The Stroke Association.

Robert Jinks from The Stroke Association said: “Go Ape is an adrenaline-inducing activity that gives participants the opportunity to climb trees, slide across high wires, crawl through tunnels, cross rope bridges, walk the plank and then zip slide to the ground.

“It’s certainly not something to be taken lightly and we’re thrilled that Owain and Laraine took part – they’re a real inspiration.”

Although Owain has worked hard and seen some significant improvements, he does still suffer from some side effects like memory loss, lack of concentration and extreme tiredness and this has meant that he was forced to sell his business earlier this year.

“Things are really positive now though” Owain explained. “I’m doing lots of work with The Stroke Association, speaking about my experiences to healthcare professionals, and am also a Patient lead for the Black Country Cardiovascular Network.

“Plus of course Laraine and I are tying the knot and I can’t wait – it’ll be an amazing day and no doubt very emotional.”

You can still sponsor Owain and Laraine for taking part in the event – visit their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/LaraineOwain/ or donate directly to The Stroke Association by visiting www.stroke.org.uk.

For more information about strokes, contact the helpline on 0845 30 33 100.