Young stroke survivor supported by Better
A Bedfordshire youngster who suffered a life-changing stroke during surgery to remove a brain tumour is rebuilding his strength, confidence and independence with the support of Robinson Pools and Fitness.
In August 2024, Kayden Douglas-Imasuen was diagnosed with a brain tumour after an MRI scan at Bedford Hospital. He was blue-lighted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he underwent surgery to treat the tumour. During a second operation, he suffered a stroke, leaving him with life-changing injuries. He remained at Addenbrooke's until 31 October 2024 before beginning the next stage of his treatment and rehabilitation.
Treatment continued during an inpatient stay at University College Hospital London, where Kayden underwent proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) and rehabilitation. Just four days before Christmas 2024, he was discharged and able to return home to Wootton.
The stroke left Kayden with partial paralysis affecting the right side of his body, along with sight impairment. Since returning home, however, he has made steady and encouraging progress.
In April 2026, Kayden began neuro-rehabilitation with a team of therapists at The Children's Trust, the UK's leading charity for children with acquired brain injury. As part of his rehabilitation, his physiotherapist and occupational therapist provided his parents, Lizzie and Jayden, with a home exercise programme to support his recovery between therapy sessions. Looking for somewhere with the space and equipment to help Kayden complete the programme, they enrolled him in a junior gym membership at Robinson Pools and Fitness.
Working alongside his dad, Kayden now carries out his physiotherapy and occupational therapy exercises Robinson Pools and Fitness, where staff member Nick Taylor supports them by helping them use the equipment safely. The welcoming environment has become an important part of Kayden's recovery, allowing him to continue building strength, balance and confidence.
Kayden's progress has also attracted the attention of his rehabilitation team. So impressed by his physical development, his physiotherapist and occupational therapist arranged a gym session at a Better gym in Surrey to observe him completing his exercise programme in a fitness environment.
The session demonstrated how accessible gym facilities can play a valuable role in supporting paediatric neuro-rehabilitation, reinforcing the positive impact regular exercise has had on Kayden's recovery.
GLL Fitness Trainer Nick Taylor said: "It's been a privilege to watch Kayden's journey. When he first started, our priority was helping him and his dad become familiar with the equipment and making sure every exercise could be completed safely. Following the programme provided by his therapists, he now uses a range of different equipment including resistance and cardio equipment to build his strength, balance and coordination. Every week you can see him getting stronger and more confident. His determination is inspiring, and it's fantastic to see the progress he's made."
Kayden’s mum, Lizzie Douglas, said: “After everything Kayden went through from his diagnosis in August 2024 and the stroke during surgery, seeing him back in the gym means everything to us as a family. We are so grateful to his amazing physiotherapist Anusha and occupational therapist Latika at The Children’s Trust who created his home exercise programme and have supported his rehabilitation so brilliantly.
Kayden,13, said: “I like going to the gym with my dad to get stronger, and thank you to Nick for helping me.”