Fitness saved you, medics tell Factor stroke victim
LAUREN FAMILY IN KILLER FIGHT
X FACTOR star Chico Slimani was driving his car when he suffered the massive stroke which nearly killed him.
Sources say the former pop idol, real name Yousseph Slimani, suddenly fell ill when he was on the way home from a gig.
But he was saved by his quickthinking family who got him safely to hospital, where medics found he had suffered a stroke caused by a massive blood clot in his brain.
And doctors say that he is lucky to be alive, putting his survival down to the 47-yearold’s healthy lifestyle keeping him in tip-top shape.
Doctors have now assured wife Daniyela and two children Lalla-Khira and Zacharia that he is responding well to treatment.
A spokesman for the popular singer said: “Chico is resting and recovering very well while undergoing further tests but thanks everyone for the incredible supportive messages – he is overwhelmed.
“Chico is feeling extremely lucky and feeling grateful for leading such a healthy lifestyle and thankful to his fitness that has definitely helped save his life.
“His doctor said his body has recovered so incredibly well, despite having a full-blown stroke caused by a cerebral blood clot.
“Chico is under the wonderful hands and care of the medical team at Barnet hospital and cannot thank the doctors and team enough for the amazing work and speed of treatment and tests.”
The Welsh singer hit the limelight in 2005 on The X Factor where he earned a legion of fans and developed his own catchphrase – it’s Chico Time.
But he was knocked out in week eight of the contest.
Putting his success down to his positive mental attitude, he said at the time: “Dream it, believe it, work for it, achieve it.
“In that order.” MURDER: Tragic youngster THE family of a murdered schoolgirl want to keep her killer behind bars after hearing about his upcoming release.
Schoolgirl Lauren Pilkington-Smith, aged 10, was killed by Keiron Smith in a frenzied attack. Her body was found in woods near her home in Leigh, Lancs, in 2005.
Smith, now 31, who was jailed for life, is due to be released in 2020, but her family have now launched a petition to keep him behind bars.
Lauren’s mum, Alison Pilkington-Smith, 47, said she is horrified by the prospect of the brutal killer’s release.
“I feel like he shouldn’t be allowed out,” she said.
“He’s shown no remorse and hasn’t owned up to what he’s done.”
A Parole Board spokesman said that he was unable to comment on specific cases.