A new east London MP has spoken of her shock after her “healthy” husband, 39, suffered a stroke during her first day in the Commons on Tuesday.
She said she had “never expected” her husband, who is “39 and healthy”, would suffer a stroke and urged people to be on the look-out for warning signs.
But in an update on Wednesday morning, she asked constituents to “please bear with me” as she revealed her husband’s unexpected health issue.
“Thank you to our amazing NHS staff, especially those on the stroke unit at our local hospital,” she wrote in the post.
“Yesterday, during my first day in the Commons, I learned my husband was in the emergency ward after suffering a TIA stroke.
“The past 24 hours have been the hardest of our lives, but the care at the stroke unit has been incredible. He’s doing well and is surrounded by family.
“As a result, it is going to take me a little longer than expected to set up my office and I ask for patience and understanding at that time. I will be sworn in and back in parliament soon.
“Thank you to the Speaker, House staff, police, Whips team, and colleagues for their support.
“My husband is 39 and healthy. We never expected this.
“Remember – acting FAST can save lives,” she added, referring to the NHS acronym that encourages people to be aware of the signs of strokes, involving face, arms, speech, and the importance of time in getting help.
A transient ischaemic attack, or TIA, is also known as a “mini stroke” and is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.
Mrs Kumaran’s message of praise for the NHS came in a week her Labour colleague, new Health Secretary Wes Streeting, has described the health service as “broken”.