Darragh Donnelly-Walshe Wins Outstanding Contribution Volunteer Award 2022

Darragh 44, had a stroke in 2010 following an operation. He went from working in Barcelona to living back in the UK, coming to terms with the physical and invisible effects of his stroke. In 2017 he became a Group Co-ordinator for the already established Different Strokes group in Colchester.

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Caroline Saunders, shares below a small insight into why Darragh is such a worthy winner of our Outstanding Contribution Award 2022.

“When lockdown started Darragh’s group was the first to go online with their weekly meetings, which included exercise. When another stroke group in Colchester looked like it may close in 2021 Darragh was happy to step in allowing the group to continue as part of the Colchester Different Strokes Exercise and Support groups.”

We caught up with Darragh to find out more about him and his role:

Congratulations on winning the Outstanding Contribution Award 2022 Darragh; so well deserved. Could you tell us a little bit about your voluntary role?

“ Following my stroke in 2010, I continued in the same job working from home for five years. It was incredibly isolating, and I wanted to get out and see and meet other stroke survivors.

In 2015, I started volunteering with my local Stroke Association (SA) group. In 2018 SA then employed me to run the group. In 2017 I heard that the Different Strokes group needed a new Group Co-ordinator, as Jim who established the group was moving away. I am passionate about creating safe spaces for stroke survivors and I took the volunteer role on and became the co-ordinator for Different Strokes Colchester.

Now, seven years on I support two groups in the area. The first meets on Tuesdays for lunch and an exercise class and the other group meets on Wednesdays for peer and communication support. Peer support is so important, and I remember how powerful it was for me, five years after my stroke being in a room with fellow stroke survivors for the first time since my stay in hospital. There is something special about being around people who understand. I always want to make others feel comfortable and supported.”

What does your role involve?

“My role involves doing a lot of the background admin. From arranging our meetings, events, and activities to keeping on top of financial information. I also look at ways to fundraise to ensure the groups are affordable and able to continue.

We currently have around 20 members and it is fantastic to see people improve and to reassure people that it does get better. I myself know how it is to work on recovery. My stroke left me with right-side weakness and walking difficulties. In the years since my stroke, I have graduated from not being able to make my wife a cup of tea and bring it to her without a rollator to being able to do this. I can now walk outside with my stick. It is so rewarding seeing others make improvements and achieve their goals. Some of our members have been with us for a long time and others might come for a time and then return to work or study- everyone’s different.”

How do you feel about receiving the Outstanding Contribution Award?

“I have to say when Austin called to tell me I was really surprised and became quite emotional. It’s great to be recognised!

However, it is important for me to say that I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without support – it just wouldn’t be possible. I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who make this possible.

Firstly, my wife Joanne sets up the tables and chairs for 15 people every single week – and on her own, which is a big ask. My dad John and his wife Fiona donate every week towards the costs of our communication and peer support group which is incredibly generous.

A big shout out to the four volunteers Veronica, Jill, Jeanne, and Abey from our peer/communication group; they also donate every week, make tea and coffee, provide cakes and cookies, and then clear everything away at the end of the sessions.

I would also like to say I have so much respect for Jim, who came before me and established the group. I am also supported by Different Strokes staff, who are fantastic. They deal with any queries I have quickly and there is a framework there to fall back on when required. I am amazed that they have the equivalent of 5.9 full-time staff members and manage to do so much. It is a very special organisation to be part of.”

So, what is next for Different Strokes Colchester?

“Well, I am looking at hopefully organising a summer BBQ for our members. I am also currently trying to look at how best to handle the venue price increase for where our peer and communications group meets. I am considering varying where we meet occasionally and researching a variety of interesting locations locally that would be suitable.”