Bridie Kirsopp Named Peer Support Champion
- Mez Khan
We’re delighted to announce that Bridie Kirsopp has been awarded our Peer Support Champion Award, in recognition of her dedication, compassion and commitment to supporting fellow young stroke survivors. She is the perfect example of how lived experience can be transformed into meaningful support and advocacy for others.
From Survivor to Supporter
Bridie Kirsopp first encountered Different Strokes shortly after having her stroke at the age of 17. What began as a search for solidarity turned into a long-standing connection – and now, more than nine years later, she’s helping lead the way in peer support, online engagement, and awareness raising.
Bridie’s Stroke Story
Bridie had her stroke in December 2011, just before Christmas, at the age of 17. It started with a severe headache that was initially misdiagnosed as a migraine. After days of worsening symptoms, she was rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered a large clot in the thalamus. The diagnosis: Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis, likely caused by the contraceptive pill.
The stroke left Bridie with significant physical and emotional challenges. She experienced numbness and weakness on one side of her body, chronic fatigue, and cognitive difficulties – all of which disrupted her ability to continue her education and participate in the social life typical for someone her age. The impact was life-altering.
Although her initial recovery seemed promising, her symptoms worsened over time. She was later diagnosed with Central Pain Syndrome, a rare and chronic neurological condition caused by damage to the brain. This condition causes constant, burning pain throughout her body and is notoriously difficult to treat. It has affected every aspect of her life – from her mobility and independence to her mental health and confidence.
Despite living with relentless pain and fatigue, Bridie has shown remarkable resilience. She has channelled her experience into advocacy, connection, and helping others feel seen and understood.
Joining the Different Strokes Community
Bridie was first introduced to Different Strokes through her neurology team in 2011. Although she initially didn’t feel ready to attend a group, she found comfort in reading others’ stories and knowing she wasn’t alone as a young stroke survivor.
Years later, in 2020, our Marketing Manager Lauren spotted Bridie’s engaging online presence and invited her to do a week-long Instagram takeover – which was a huge success. From there, her involvement grew.
A Volunteering Journey Rooted in Empathy
Since that initial Instagram takeover, Bridie has become a familiar face across Different Strokes’ social media. She created the “Fill-In Fridays” series – encouraging stroke survivors to share their thoughts and experiences – and has been a key contributor to World Stroke Day every year, helping to plan and deliver meaningful digital content and personally responding to messages from other survivors late into the night.
She also created “My Beautiful Broken Brain”, a resource that brings together her thoughts, advice and insights for fellow stroke survivors. Developed a few years ago, it remains a popular guide available on our website.
In 2024, Bridie took her commitment a step further by joining our Young People’s Befriending Service, offering one-to-one peer support to stroke survivors aged 16–25.
“Having a stroke at 17 was the loneliest and most daunting time of my life. Watching everyone grow up around me whilst battling to come to terms with a disability that would affect me forever felt like the end of the world… I wish the befriender service was around back then as I feel it would’ve helped me get to a place of acceptance much sooner than I did. To now be that person for someone else is incredibly fulfilling.”
Why Volunteering Matters to Bridie
Volunteering has allowed Bridie to transform a painful chapter of her life into something full of purpose and connection. She values the opportunity to build relationships with other survivors. Bridie has a knack for sharing both encouragement and realistic advice in a deeply empathetic way.
“It’s such an honour that people share such personal things with me and trust me. Even if the conversation touches on difficult subjects, it ignites something in me to know I can make a difference. I get to follow their journey and be part of it in some way – which is such a privilege.”
Bridie also credits volunteering with helping her build confidence and overcome anxiety – both online and offline.
“If you’re thinking of volunteering – go for it. I was very anxious in the past, but volunteering pushed me to come out of my shell. It’s helped me become more open and confident.”
Raising Awareness Through the Media
Bridie Kirsopp has also helped raise national awareness of stroke in young people by sharing her story in the media. Through interviews, articles and social content, she’s helped shed light on the challenges young survivors face and the importance of peer support. Her openness and courage in speaking out has inspired many and helped to challenge assumptions about stroke.
A Few Words From Austin Willett, CEO of Different Strokes
“Bridie is a truly deserving winner of our Peer Support Champion award. Peer support is at the heart of everything she has contributed over the past five years. She has such a caring personality and brings warmth, empathy and honesty to everything she does. Bridie always goes the extra mile.
She is full of wisdom and has a rare gift for making people feel truly seen and heard. We are incredibly proud of all that Bridie continues to achieve and so thankful to have her as part of the Different Strokes team.”
Bridie’s Thanks and Advice for Fellow Survivors
Bridie would like to thank her Mum and Grandma, who remain her strongest sources of support, the stroke survivors she’s had the privilege to connect with, and the Different Strokes team, who she says have encouraged her every step of the way.
To others navigating stroke recovery or considering volunteering, she offers this advice:
“You are more than your stroke. You don’t need to fit a mould or compare your journey to anyone else’s. Try and not let outside sources determine how you view your recovery—I’d encourage people to celebrate every goal and achievement no matter how big or small, do things your own way at your own pace and advocate for yourself at all times. Progress is progress, no matter how small. Volunteering has given me back a sense of purpose – it’s allowed me to grow, connect, and help others feel validated. That’s what it’s all about.”
We couldn’t be prouder to have Bridie Kirsopp as part of the Different Strokes community. Her warmth, strength and empathy continue to inspire us all – and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.
