This Morning welcomed guest Niamh Foster who opened up about suffering a stroke at a young age13:02, 04 Aug 2026This Morning guest describes suffering a stroke aged 26 Two years after suffering a shock stroke, Niamh Foster has been supporting Coronation Street with Betsy Swain's storyline.‌In 2024, Niamh Foster was asleep in bed next to her partner Reece when she suffered a stroke, though her health ordeal wasn't immediately clear.‌During Tuesday's episode of ITV's This Morning, hosts Paddy McGuinness and Josie Gibson were joined by Niamh, Reece, and Dr. Zoe to discuss stroke awareness.‌Opening up about her own experience, Niamh explained: "I was lying in bed, and I think it was two or three o'clock in the morning roughly, as it was dark at the time, and I actually had my stroke in my sleep."But I didn't realise I was having a stroke, I felt really uncomfortable and really fidgeting, really restless. I thought I had a cramp on my right hand side, which, now you know, my right hand was affected."‌She added: "It wasn't until the morning I woke up, and Reece was getting ready for work, and presumed that I was sort of sleeping in as I had a restless night."I got up and somehow managed to clamber to the toilet and saw the sort of drooped face. But even then, I didn't think stroke, at 26, that would be the last thing."Reece then rushed Niamh to the hospital, where she was seen by doctors straight away, who carried out tests to determine she had suffered a stroke.‌"I remember not really realising the gravity of it because I wasn't really in the know. I didn't know about strokes; there was no stroke awareness. I thought strokes happened to older people," she admitted."I wasn't in pain; I was very disoriented. I think my body went into fight or flight; it was surreal". Niamh was later informed by doctors that she had a hole in her heart.‌Dr Zoe explained: "It's one of the most common forms of a congenital heart defect, but that hole being there is the way that the blood clots, and then you're most likely to get them. But most people don't know they've got it. "The official NHS guidelines state that the most common signs of a stroke can be identified using the FAST acronym: Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech difficulties, which mean it is Time to call 999 immediately.‌A stroke is a medical emergency, and the NHS Stroke Guide emphasizes that symptoms usually appear suddenly.Two years on from having a stroke, Niamh is still recovering and now works for the Stroke Association, who have been working to assist Coronation Street with their storyline about teenager Betsy, who suffered two strokes following non-fatal strangulation during sex.Niamh has been working with the writers, cast, and makeup team to ensure every detail is as authentic as possible.Article continues belowShe explained: "So I work for the Stroke Association, which is a wonderful charity, and they got in touch with another girl, and I called Louise. It's been really amazing, they have really really listened."For more stroke information or support, visit the Stroke Association here.This Morning airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX