Sky Sports darts commentator Rod Studd on road to recovery after lockdown stroke
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ROD STUDD'S voice breaks with emotion and tears well up in his eyes as he starts to retell the dramatic night he had a stroke.
For the popular and respected Sky Sports darts commentator, it is hard to remember every detail that happened to him and his family on the evening of May 19, 2020.
Put simply, these are the questions to ask: Is someone’s Face drooping? Can Arms be raised? Is Speech slurred? If yes, don’t waste Time and dial 999.
Studd spent 37 nights in hospital before being released on June 25 to begin the difficult process of rehab.
Every week he undergoes four days of intense physio, working to improve the muscles and strength on the left side of his body.
Things he took for granted, the simple act of walking, had to be relearned gradually.
Studd’s speech and cognitive functions have not been affected. “I’ve been lucky in that regard,” he noted. “Or unlucky because the viewers will have to put up with my voice again! And the puns, too.”
There are individuals whose stories and journeys inspire Studd. BBC presenter Andrew Marr and four-time US Olympic champion runner Michael Johnson have both had strokes and returned successfully to broadcasting.
His employers Sky Sports, whom he joined in 1999 first as a rugby league reporter, have shown tremendous patience towards his recovery.
Though he didn’t attend Ally Pally over Christmas for the PDC World Darts Championship for the first time in over a decade, he was an avid viewer at home.
Studd said: “When I watch the darts I’m sort of commentating in my head.
“I’m do what cricketers might call a ‘net session’. I’m mumbling to myself commentary lines. Louise often asks: ‘What are you talking about?’”
Studd is determined to return to the mic but won’t place a time scale on his comeback.
Nonetheless, the day he is back taking the mickey out of sparring partners Wayne Mardle and Stuart Pyke at a live darts event in front of a jubilant crowd cannot come soon enough.
He added: “Wise people I know from my days on Sky’s rugby league department, who had bad injuries, told me: ‘Get it into your head that you’ll be back – but don’t set a date.’
“Sky have said come back when you’re ready. Not a minute after. Not a minute before.
“I’m very grateful for all the messages, either from darts players, commentators or social media. It’s all very humbling.
“Let’s hope the darts world is back in business in December with crowds, people backstage are gobbling up all those Ally Pally biscuits, and lockdown is in the dim and distant past.”
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For more info on the FAST campaign please visit
Recognising if someone is having a stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. The FAST test can help you recognise the signs.
Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness: Can they raise both arms?
Speech problems: Can they speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 999: If you see any of these signs.
The FAST test helps to spot the three most common symptoms of stroke. But there are other signs that you should always take seriously. These include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet.
- Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences.
- Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
- Sudden memory loss or confusion, and dizziness or a sudden fall.
- A sudden, severe headache.
If you spot any of these signs of a stroke, don't wait. Call 999 straight away. stroke.org.uk/ActFAST