Information Line: 0345 1307172

       
Search
Close this search box.

Stroke Survivors UK

Stroke Survivor Stories

You may find it helpful and encouraging to read our stroke survivor stories, particularly if you have shared some of the experiences and are able to identify with emotions, feelings and issues raised. Knowing that you are not alone and that other people are also reclaiming their lives after a stroke can help reduce feelings of isolation. It can also be useful to read about different coping strategies that other younger stroke survivors have used.

You can filter the stories by stroke type or cause, simply click one of the options below.

This is not an exhaustive list but the most common types and causes that are referred to within our Survivor Stories. 

Picture of Erin who survived an ischaemic stroke at just 45

Erin’s Story – Ischaemic Stroke at 45

Being a singer and the musical director of my band is the once place where I feel I have control over my environment. My band is a safe place where I can make make choices; over my body over my life – and having an outlet to express and process my emotions is my saviour. If you’re a survivor too I hope you are as lucky as me to find something like this that you use to help you love the life for of your own. Recovery can be hard and I hope you too make the most of yours.

Read More »
Picture of Andy who survived an ischaemic stroke aged 51

Andy’s Story – Ischaemic Stroke at 51 – “A Day like No Other”

The frustration grew and grew, it took concentration the like I have never known. It seemed to take an eternity but suddenly there it was a small movement in my fingers; the tiniest of movements but it was a step forward
“Always a little further” I thought -and if I can do this every day, and a little further, I will get there. I can fix this I thought. I will not be beaten by this.

Read More »
Picture of Pamela, who survived a stroke at 51 public speaking and raising awareness of life after stroke

Pamela’s Story – Haemorrhagic Stroke aged 51

I keep myself busy with my rehabilitation. I always worked hard pre stroke, so I see this is my job now – and I work hard at it.

I had a stroke. I cannot fault the care I’ve received. I would have liked to have been given more guidance on what’s available locally for someone who’s had a stroke. Fortunately I’m a bit of a squirrel and hunt things out, but not everyone is like me, so please do make the effort and ask for help like this if you’re a stroke survivor who might benefit from it.

Read More »
Picture of Moira who survived an ischaemic Stroke aged 58

Moira’s Story – Ischaemic Stroke at 58

I was really shocked at the diagnosis. I led a very full life travelling all over the world, I didn’t smoke and rarely drank and tried to eat a healthy diet. I enjoyed walking and I looked fit and healthy. I kept wondering ‘why me?’

Read More »
Picture of Alan who survived a stroke at 64

Alan’s Story – Haemorrhagic Stroke at 64

Let’s be honest, stroke in medical terms, is a worrying word and one that we’d rather not be on the receiving end of, but at least my family and I knew what had happened to me. This was “Day One” and what was to be the start of my recovery journey. It was a tough start. I was often emotional and cried. I had little energy and memory struggled at times.

Read More »
Picture of Olivia who survived an ischaemic stroke at just 28

Olivia’s Story – Ischaemic stroke aged 28

“I turned to my colleague and said “I can’t move my arms”. I remember beginning to panic and felt an overwhelming feeling of emotion. She told me to calm down that I was OK to breathe, and I said “I think I’m having a stroke”.”

Read More »
Picture of Dave who survived an ischaemic stroke at just

Dave’s Story – Ischaemic Stroke at 49

It’s amazing that when you tell people you have had a stroke how they say
“you look great”
– but they just don’t know how much of a struggle it is when it’s your brain that’s not working correctly.

Read More »
Picture of Abby who survived a stroke at just 36

Abby’s Story – Ischaemic Stroke at 36

After being sick I couldn’t get up off my bathroom floor despite fighting with all my will to do so. I was crying and confused but managed to get up after a while and continued to get ready for the day. At this point everything seemed reasonably OK and I genuinely thought I just had low energy due to being sick and slightly hungover, but I was scared and confused.

Read More »

People often find that writing their story can be a difficult but cathartic and positive process, it can help in reaching acceptance and moving forward.

If you would like to share your story, please email us at info@differentstrokes.co.uk. 

Skip to content