Andrew Marr’s Decade of Resilience Following Life-Changing Stroke
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A broadcaster’s wife was initially told he might not survive after suffering a stroke in 2013, a health battle that continues to impact his life a decade later, and recently sparked fresh concerns during a live radio broadcast. Andrew Marr, 66, has openly discussed the long road to recovery and the lasting physical limitations resulting from the devastating neurological event.
In 2013, while filming a BBC history series in northern Greece, Marr experienced the initial symptoms that would ultimately lead to a life-altering diagnosis. He found himself unable to articulate his words during a piece to camera, initially attributing the difficulty to fatigue and jet lag. He explained to his wife, Jackie Ashley, that his “mouth had just stopped working.” Months later, he blacked out, unaware of the severity of the underlying issue. Doctors later revealed that Marr had actually experienced two “earlier” incidents prior to the full stroke, highlighting the often-subtle warning signs of cerebrovascular events.
Ashley later admitted that Marr had previously dismissed “funny turns” as inconsequential. This underscores the critical importance of recognizing and addressing even minor neurological symptoms.
A Grueling Recovery and Lasting Impact
The stroke left Marr temporarily paralyzed on his left side, requiring eight months away from work for intensive rehabilitation. He spent four months in hospital, undergoing extensive physiotherapy. Despite the arduous process, Marr expressed gratitude for his survival, stating in late 2013 that he felt “lucky to be alive.” He acknowledged having been “heavily overworking” in the year leading up to the stroke, a factor he believes contributed to his vulnerability.
The stroke’s impact extended beyond initial paralysis. Marr revealed it affected the entire left side of his body, leaving him with a persistent disability. “I do a kind of elegant hobble is the best I can manage – my left arm isn’t much good yet and I’ve got a lot of physio still to do,” he explained. He also cautioned against overly strenuous exercise, recounting an incident where a rowing machine workout preceded a severe headache and subsequent collapse. “Beware rowing machines, or at least beware being too enthusiastic on rowing machines would be my message to the nation.”
Life a Decade On: Adapting and Finding Strength
In 2023, ten years after the stroke, Marr reflected on his remarkable progress. He told The Guardian he had been “largely vertical and communicating for the past 10 years,” given initial fears he might require a wheelchair or lose his ability to speak. However, he remained candid about the ongoing challenges.
Despite his resilience, Marr acknowledged persistent deficits. He is unable to tie his own shoelaces, cycle, run, or swim. He is diagnosed as hemiplegic, meaning weakness on one side of the body. “It’s been pretty good, though I’ve still got deficits… my left arm really doesn’t work much, my left leg only works a bit, I walk in a sort of jerky way,” he stated. He focuses on what he can do, finding fulfillment in painting, drawing, and daily five-mile walks.
Recent Health Scare on LBC Radio
Earlier this month, Marr sparked renewed health concerns during his LBC radio show. Listeners noted he appeared to be struggling to breathe, speaking rapidly and sounding “distressed.” Social media quickly filled with worried messages, with some calling for immediate medical attention. However, Marr reportedly recovered quickly, continuing the broadcast shortly after.
He had been discussing the Global Player Awards 2025 when the incident occurred, saying, “Now, something momentous I need to take the time to tell you about – the winners of the Global Player Awards 2025 have been announced, and I’m speaking as the only white man, I think, in the south of England without my own podcast.” The cause of the breathing difficulty remains unconfirmed.
Marr’s story serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity for recovery and adaptation in the face of adversity. His openness about his ongoing struggles underscores the importance of stroke awareness, early intervention, and continued support for those living with neurological disabilities.
