A renowned figure from the popular TV show “Strictly Come Dancing” is facing mobility challenges following a stroke. Jane Bullock, aged 60, who is well-known for coaching numerous professional dancers on the BBC program and has a strong presence in the ballroom dancing industry, encountered the health setback after a dance class last August.
Her spouse, Warren, recounted the distressing moment when Jane suddenly collapsed at home while engaged in household tasks, leaving her incapacitated. Warren described how Jane struggled to maintain balance, ultimately falling to the ground, exhibiting classic signs of a stroke.
Subsequently, Jane was swiftly admitted to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton and later transferred to a specialized unit at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Medical assessments revealed a blood clot in her carotid artery, responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the brain, neck, and face.
Further examinations unveiled a midline shift in Jane’s brain tissue, necessitating surgery to alleviate swelling, including the removal of part of her skull. Warren disclosed that Jane spent a month on life support and a ventilator during this critical period.
For the past seven months, Jane has been under hospital care and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at West Park Hospital. The stroke has left her with paralysis on her left side, along with cognitive impairments such as an inability to discern time or operate a TV remote.
Expressing concern over the upcoming discharge from the hospital, Warren highlighted the challenges ahead due to limited support from their distant children and the exorbitant costs associated with professional caregiving. The financial strain has been exacerbated by the loss of Jane’s income post-stroke.
Warren emphasized the emotional toll on both their lives, underscoring his commitment to ensuring Jane’s well-being and happiness. A fundraising initiative has gathered over £46,000 to assist the couple in adapting their home and catering to Jane’s needs.
In a heartfelt message on GoFundMe, Warren reflected on the traumatic experience of witnessing Jane’s health crisis and the uncertainties it brought. Both Warren and Jane have extensive backgrounds in professional dancing, having trained celebrities for various dance shows and even constructed a ballroom at their residence in Wolverhampton.
Their television program “Baby Ballroom,” which originally aired on Channel 5 in 2017 showcasing their dance proteges, gained international recognition after being featured on Netflix and streamed in over 40 countries worldwide. To support Jane and Warren, visit Jane’s GoFundMe page for more details.