I FULLY agree with the award given to the stroke unit at our wonderful JR hospital.

I speak from experience, having been admitted with a stroke and other major illnesses in 2001, double pneumonia, septicaemia and a previously undiagnosed heart condition.

My wife was told to expect the worst in the next three days, so I can wholeheartedly say my treatment and recovery were due to the dedication of the team, who found the reason why I suffered a stroke without any warnings or symptoms.

It was due to a faulty heart valve which suddenly sent a surge of blood to my brain, causing an artery to burst in my brain, which meant some cells were deprived of oxygen, so paralysis of my left side ensued.

My heart needed urgent surgery,but the stroke etc had left me too weak to have the surgery.

But a year later, after I was strong enough, my heart valve was replaced.

So well done the stroke unit, I am sure you have saved many more like me.

ADRIAN TAYLOR, Duncan Close, Eynsham