A Doncaster woman who survived a life-threatening stroke and cardiac arrest at just 38 is sharing her story to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and highlight the importance of rapid emergency care from the NHS.
Joni Hughes, an HR professional, keen reader, and horror film fan, says she had always considered herself healthy. "I wasn't really an ill person. There was nothing to suggest something like this could happen to me."
That changed suddenly in November 2022 when she developed unusual pain on the left side of her neck. After contacting her GP, it was initially thought to be muscular, and she was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. However, one evening, her condition escalated dramatically.
"I went to bed as normal, but when I sneezed, I had the most excruciating pain which made me vomit," she said. "I went downstairs, and then I just melted off the settee onto the floor. I couldn't move my right side at all. My arm was completely dead."
Her partner immediately called NHS 111, and an ambulance arrived within minutes: "The ambulance crew were incredible. They acted so quickly, stayed calm, and got me to hospital fast."
At hospital, Joni's symptoms worsened. Her speech became affected, and confusion set in. After several hours in A&E, she went into cardiac arrest. "My partner said the team reacted instantly. They started CPR straight away. I was gone for four minutes, but they brought me back."
She was transferred to intensive care, where she spent a week on a ventilator. Doctors also discovered she had pneumonia. From there, she began a long recovery through stroke and rehabilitation services at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals. Joni speaks highly of the care she received throughout her treatment: "ICU was awesome, the stroke unit was awesome, rehab was awesome. I wouldn't be here without them."
She credits everyone involved in her care, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, who helped her physically and emotionally through her recovery. "It was the little things that mattered, such as healthcare assistants making me smile or plaiting my hair after a shower. That meant everything."
Although she has made significant progress, Joni continues to live with lasting effects from her stroke. She has right-side weakness, mobility difficulties, drop foot, and uses a Functional Electrical Stimulation device to help her walk. Fatigue remains one of her biggest challenges. "Fatigue is the worst part. Some days are okay, some aren't, and people don't always understand that."
Everyday tasks can still be difficult, Joni said: "I can't do my hair properly, and I need help with things like cooking or walking long distances. You lose independence, and that can feel quite isolating."
Joni credits her recovery to ongoing rehabilitation, a personal trainer, and strong family support: "My husband is my superhero. I'd be lost without him." She also attended private counselling to help process the trauma, which she describes as "brilliant." She continues to celebrate small milestones in her recovery. "Progress is slower now, but I still notice improvements. I even managed to put petrol in my car recently. It sounds small, but it was a big moment for me."
Joni hopes sharing her experience will help others recognise stroke symptoms early and understand the long-term impact of survival. Despite ongoing challenges, Joni remains determined: "My goals are about building strength, listening to my body, and taking things one step at a time."
Her advice to others is simple but powerful: "Stay positive when you can, celebrate the small wins, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to ask for or accept help."
Dr Chadha, Stroke Consultant at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: "Joni's recovery is a testament to her resilience and to the dedication of the stroke, intensive care and rehabilitation teams who supported her at every stage. It has been a privilege to be part of her care and to see the progress she has made following such a sudden and life-threatening illness.
"Her story is a powerful reminder that stroke can affect anyone, at any age, and it is vital that the public know the signs. If you see symptoms such as facial drooping, arm weakness or speech problems, you must act FAST and call emergency services immediately. Rapid treatment saves lives and can make a significant difference to recovery outcomes."
More information on the signs and symptoms of stroke can be found on the NHS website. If individuals are unsure and need help, contact NHS 111, or in an emergency, ring 999 immediately.
