A DAD forgot he had a six-year-old daughter after suffering a stroke at home.

Paul Flaherty was shocked to learn he was a father after he collapsed at home last May from a blood clot in his brain.

The 48-year-old had the stroke last May just weeks after being knocked down on his way home from a night out.

He had been recovering from broken bones when he noticed his left arm was hanging uselessly by his side.

Glasgow Times: Paul with his daughter Eden Paul with his daughter Eden (Image: Sourced)

Realising something was seriously wrong, he called his ex-partner and managed to say a single word - stroke.

He was rushed by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary and began to make a recovery before sadly suffering a second stroke in November.

Now he has made a recovery and is building his relationship with his young daughter, Eden. 

Paul said: "I've got a seven-year-old daughter, and we go swimming three times a week and I collect her from school, so I am trying to do the usual things.

“But there are times when it’s been very frustrating.

“After the first stroke, I didn’t even know I had a daughter.

“My dad was talking to me about someone called Eden and I had to ask who Eden was.

“It was strange to find out I had a daughter, and she was six!

“I’m not going to give up. I’m going to keep doing what I can.

“I know how lonely it can be to be recovering from something like this. I had a lot of support, but I can’t imagine how hard it would be for someone who lives alone or doesn’t have anyone to help them out.”

Now Paul is celebrating as the drug development research firm he works for, Curia, has partnered with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland to support people like him.

Paul said: “When I was first on the ward, I couldn’t really speak, and I couldn’t move.

“It was very scary, but within three or four days the feeling started to come back on my right side.

“I was very fortunate that I was treated so quickly.

“Speed made such a difference to my recovery.

“That’s why I’m so pleased that Curia have chosen Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland because of the work you do for people like me.”