Beloved BBC Formula 1 presenter Jennie Gow has revealed that "some days are a struggle" as she marks three years since a life-altering stroke left her partially paralysed on her bathroom floor.
A Festive Period Turned Tragic
The incident occurred in the days following Christmas in 2022. Gow, a mainstay of the BBC's F1 coverage since 2012, was at home with her husband Jamie and their six-year-old daughter Isabelle when she collapsed. What began as a bout of flu and a severe cough led to a catastrophic blood clot forming in her neck, which then caused a major stroke.
Her husband heard her fall and immediately called an ambulance, which rushed the family to hospital within 20 minutes. Gow's symptoms were stark: a drooping face, an inability to move her arms, and a complete loss of speech. She was quickly transferred to St Thomas' Hospital in London for an emergency thrombectomy to remove the clot.
The Long Road to Rehabilitation
The surgery was successful, but the recovery was monumental. Gow describes the initial aftermath as feeling "completely dehumanising," going from a fit working mother to being "brain-damaged and disabled overnight." She faced the daunting task of relearning basic functions.
"It was like being a baby again, but in an adult's body," she told Woman and Home magazine. "I had to relearn how to do everything from walking and talking to reading and writing. I couldn't even tell the time." Nurses had to teach her how to eat and swallow again, and her inability to communicate was particularly devastating for someone whose career was built on it.
A pivotal moment came from a nurse at St Thomas' who advised her to use rage to find her voice. The nurse encouraged Gow to get angry and try to make any noise, which proved to be a breakthrough in her speech therapy.
Returning to the Paddock and Life Today
After months of intense therapy, Gow made a emotional return to work at the British Grand Prix in July 2023. She later covered the Dutch and Las Vegas Grands Prix before resuming her full-time duties for the 2024 F1 season.
Now, 1096 days after the stroke, Gow continues to manage its lasting effects. In a social media post marking the third anniversary, she reflected on her journey, acknowledging the immense support and hard work that brought her back. She emphasised that a stroke "can happen to anyone; young or old, fit or not," and hopes her openness will help others in the stroke community.
While she proudly identifies as a stroke survivor, Gow admits the recovery is ongoing, stating firmly: "Some days are a struggle but I will not let the stroke win." Her story stands as a powerful testament to resilience in the face of sudden, life-changing illness.
