Different Strokes marks 30 years of supporting younger stroke survivors
- Mez Khan
2026 marks a major milestone for Different Strokes as our charity celebrates 30 years of supporting younger stroke survivors and their families across the UK.
Different Strokes was founded in London in 1996 by Donal O’Kelly. At 43, he was a busy working barrister when he suffered a stroke without warning. During his own recovery, Donal noticed major gaps in the support available for people who experience a stroke at a younger age. He saw the need for three key things – greater awareness that stroke does not only affect older people, the power of connecting with other younger survivors and support that recognises that every recovery journey is unique. From the very beginning, Different Strokes has been shaped by lived experience and led by stroke survivors, for stroke survivors.
Over the past three decades, Different Strokes has grown into a national charity supporting thousands of people every year. At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: younger stroke survivors deserve to be seen, heard, connected and supported in ways that reflect their lives, their families, and their futures.
Keeping younger stroke survivors at the centre
We support working-age stroke survivors navigating life after stroke – from returning to work, parenting, relationships, fatigue, communication challenges and identity changes, to managing the emotional impact of stroke that can last long after hospital discharge.
Support is delivered in many ways, including:
- One-to-one support by phone and email
- Volunteer-led local peer support groups
- An active online community
- Virtual meetings and webinars
- Rehabilitation bursaries
- Information resources for survivors, families, and professionals
- Projects focused on inclusion, representation and reducing isolation
Throughout our 30-year history, we have worked to raise awareness and challenge outdated assumptions that stroke only affects older people.
We champion the voices of younger stroke survivors, ensuring their experiences are heard and understood. By amplifying these voices, we strive to influence services and decision-makers so that stroke support truly reflects the needs of the community we serve.
Built by community
Different Strokes’ impact has only been possible because of the strength and commitment of the community of stroke survivors, carers, volunteers, healthcare professionals, fundraisers, supporters and staff. For many, this work is deeply personal, shaped by lived experience or a close connection to stroke.
From helpline support and local group meetings, to information shared by healthcare professionals and fundraising events organised by supporters, our work has always been rooted in connection, compassion and shared understanding.
As we reflect on our history, we recognise that raising awareness of younger stroke has not always been easy or quick. Progress has taken time. Yet we continue to see meaningful steps forward in understanding and recognition.
Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the strength of our community. A community that continues to adapt, learn and show up for one another today, just as it has for the past 30 years.
Marking 30 years with “30 for 30”
To mark our 30th anniversary, Different Strokes is proud to launch 30 for 30, a brand new fundraising initiative. We’re inviting people across the UK to take on a personal challenge for 30 days, whether it is walking, trying something new, or giving something up, to raise vital funds that help support younger stroke survivors and their families.
30 for 30 is flexible and inclusive, designed so anyone can take part in a way that fits their abilities, interests and everyday life. Every step, every minute, every effort will make a real difference in ensuring that Different Strokes can continue its work for the next generation.
Looking ahead
“Thirty years on from Donal’s original idea in 1996, Different Strokes is still dedicated to connecting younger stroke survivors and raising awareness. We support recovery in ways that reflect each person’s needs and experiences. As we mark this milestone, we are grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey. There is still a lot of work to do to make sure survivors do not face recovery alone. We are determined to continue helping younger stroke survivors reclaim their lives and stay true to the vision that inspired the charity from the very beginning.”
— Austin Willett, CEO, Different Strokes
