When asked about his volunteer role, Chris shared that his own experience with brain haemorrhages in 2016 and 2019 motivated him to focus on his own recovery both physically and psychologically. In 2020, his wife discovered the Different Strokes group in York, which provided invaluable peer support and they went along. Of this experience he shared: “ I hadn’t been in a great place after my stroke but by 2020 I was ready to get out a little more. I went along to the York group. I found it helpful talking to people who had been though similar experiences. We had all been through a lot and everyone’s experience was different. Some had fared better and others worse – it helped me to gain clarity on my own situation.”

Then the pandemic hit. Throughout the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the group adapted by organising Zoom meetings and later transitioning to outdoor activities as lockdown restrictions eased. Despite the initial caution the group continues to meet, allowing stroke survivors to connect, support each other and regain a sense of normality.

In early 2021, the previous coordinator and founding member John decided to step down. Chris, knowing he couldn’t approach the role half-heartedly, stepped up to take on the responsibility. Using his skills and experience gained during his career as a partner in an architects firm, Chris has taken proactive measures to secure funding for the group, exploring grants and fundraising opportunities. The success of these bids brings in much-needed financial support. He has introduced structured activities like yoga and fitness sessions, providing stroke survivors with a combination of physical exercise and meaningful conversations. He also organises outings and social events, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging among the group members.

One memorable event that exemplifies the impact of Chris’s work was a forest bike ride. One member who had never thought he would ride a bike again joined the group for a ride on adapted cycles. He says of this moment: “As I watched this member pedal around the forest with pure exhilaration and joy on his face, doing something he had never thought would be possible again – something clicked! It was like mission accomplished – everything was worth it! I get a huge amount of personal reward from knowing I have helped someone to move forward in their life. Having been in dark places myself, I know how hard it is to come back from.”