Layton inspires TV comics

A teenager who suffered a stroke in class has inspired his school to stage a charity comedy night featuring television personalities.

Layton Andreou was in a maths class at Beaumont Leys School, Leicester, at the end of August when he began to feel unwell.

The 14-year-old lost feeling in his right arm and could not speak properly and was taken to hospital, where it was discovered he had had a stroke.

He is back at school part-time and his experience has inspired his teachers to organise a comedy evening to raise money for the Stroke Association.

Comedians Katherine Ryan, who has appeared on TV shows 8 Out of 10 Cats and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, will make an appearance, alongside Elis James, who has made a name for himself on Russell Howard's Good News and the Rob Brydon show.

Speaking about his stroke, Layton, now 15, said: "I lost any feeling I had and then my arm slipped off my desk.

"I pulled it back using my other arm and it slipped again.

"I had no idea what was happening. It just felt really strange and when I tried to talk I was told no one could understand me because it sounded like gibberish."

Realising something was wrong, his teacher helped to carry him out of the class and called for an ambulance.

He was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary for tests, which identified he had suffered a stroke.

Layton's speech is still slow and he tires easily but he has regained movement in his right arm.

He has had further tests to determine the cause of his stroke.

About 350 children and 150,000 adults in the UK suffer a stroke every year.

Layton said: "People think that it's something that happens to the elderly, but now I know that's not the case.

"I hope the comedy night raises awareness of that.

"I feel really lucky to have made a good recovery. I'm back at school and I've had a lot of help."

Mum Ann said: "It was terrifying when it happened, but now I know it could have killed him I feel so thankful he's still here and making progress.

"The doctors describe what happened to Layton as like having an accident on the motorway.

"They said it's like traffic being diverted – you know you're going to get to your destination eventually, but it's going to take longer.

"That's what's happening to his brain now. His thought processes are taking longer.

"It's fantastic of the school to hold this event. We'll be there supporting it."

Teachers at the school were impressed with Layton's quick recovery and decided to put the comedy evening together to create something "positive" out of it.

Comedians Tiernan Douieb and Dan Logan will also make appearances at the three-hour show and there will be live music from Paul Anderson

Teacher Jamie James has helped organise the event.

He said: "We sent some messages out via Twitter (to the comedians) and within a short space of time they replied.

"It's amazing and we know it's going to be a great evening.

"Every penny will go to the Stroke Association."

The event takes place at Beaumont Leys School, Anstey Lane, at 7pm on January 22.

The show is for people aged 15 and over. Tickets cost £10.

Contact Beaumont Leys School on 0116 234 4480 and ask for the finance departmen.