This month (February 2020)  we launched our Teen and Young Adult Befriending Service. We have been planning this for many months, and we invite young people aged between 18-25  to contact us who would benefit from this service.  We have recruited five young people, all of whom have had a stroke themselves, and who will be available to offer 1:1 support and advice to other young stroke survivors by telephone. This month we will be sharing the stories of our volunteer Befrienders. This is Jack’s story:

“Life before my stroke was that of a normal 24-year-old.  I worked as an Occupational Therapist for a Derby hospital, drove a car, and played football and golf with my friends.

When I had my stroke I was travelling around South America with my best friend.  I became ill and thought it was due to altitude sickness.  I became very breathless and was admitted to a rural hospital, where they diagnosed pneumonia.  Whilst in the hospital I had my stroke but it was not diagnosed until I had a scan six days later.  My friend contacted my parents and my medical insurance company who immediately took over and transferred me to a Neuro hospital in Lima.

My rehab and recovery started in Lima where I received physio for my lungs and physical therapy for an inspirational Occupational Therapist named Billy.  I flew back to Britain in September 2017 and I was admitted to a stroke recovery unit, where I spent three weeks.   I was then transferred to a Neuro rehab ward for four months where I underwent more intense physical rehab and eventually they got me to stand and take small steps.  I was discharged in January 2018 to my parent’s house.  I had a bed downstairs and had to use a rota stand for transfers.  Whilst at home I received 6 weeks ESSD and then this was followed by outpatient neuro-rehab until November 2018.  I was then discharged by them as they felt I could no longer make any more progress at that time.

Life now has changed a lot for me.  I have employed a private physio as I am someone who never gives up.  She has worked with me and my family to plan a programme of exercises for me to do as often as is possible.  I am seeing slight improvements and she is happy with my progress.  I have returned to full-time employment, but unfortunately am having to be redeployed due to my upper limb function as I can no longer perform manual handling duties.  I am also able to drive again using an adapted car.

 I have recently become a befriender for Different Strokes because it’s a service I would have loved to have been able to use when I was going through tough times. It can sometimes feel lonely being a young stroke survivor but I want others to realise they’re not alone and offer my support through their experiences 

My future plans are to find a suitable job that will give me financial stability so that I can buy my own property and therefore become more independent.”

Jack nominated Different Strokes as the benefactor of this year’s annual Jack Radley Cup, an annual charity football tournament held in Melbourne, Derby.  A special thank you to Jules Raine and everyone involved in the tournament which took place on 24 August 2019.  Everyone has a fantastic day and the event raised in the region of £2,500, which is an amazing amount.  Different Strokes would like to extend a big thank you for everyone who sponsored the event, donated or took part.  Sponsored events are a great way to take on a new challenge and support a cause close to your heart!  For more information on how you could help to raise vital funds for working-age stroke survivors please visit our website here.