Nick’s Story – Haemorrhagic Stroke at 46
- Greg Hollingworth
Nick has aphasia and was supported by his wife Rachel and Lisa, coordinator of our Ashford Kent group, to tell his story. Let us know if you’d like support sharing your stroke survivor story.
“I was 46 when I had my stroke in 2015. I was on the tube in London with my friend, travelling to Twickenham to watch a rugby match. I unexpectedly collapsed on the tube, so fellow passengers got me off at the next stop and the ambulance was called. I was taken to Kings Hospital where they administered ACE inhibitors, but it was later discovered it was a haemorrhagic stroke. Prior to collapsing, my friend reported that I had started limping but couldn’t explain why. Once at the hospital I was highly monitored. After about 18 hours the decision was made to operate — I had a craniotomy to stem the bleeding and reduce pressure, although a lot of damage was already done. I have lost about a third of my brain.
I don’t really remember the first 7 days or so after the stroke. I was kept at Kings for about 10 days, then transferred to the William Harvey Hospital. I spent a further 8 weeks there, then went to a rehabilitation centre.
My recovery was very challenging. I was in a wheelchair for 4 months. After that I had intensive physio and had to learn to walk again. My speech was very slow too. I still have no movement in my right arm and limited movement in my right leg, but I use a stick to walk and I have two scooters to get around. Speech is still quite limited — although I like to chat!
My day-to-day life is very different now. Before the stroke I was Head of Analytics at the Stock Exchange. I’ve had to stop working, and I’m no longer allowed to drive a car.
My two daughters Grace and Jemima were 10 and 8 when the stroke happened. My emotions are fine though — I have accepted the stroke. And I still get to rugby matches with my friend Richard, although of course I enjoy the premium seats now!
I go to two support groups — Headway in Ashford and Different Strokes in Kennington. I attended the Ashford support group from the very first session in January 2025, and I go every month now. These groups provide great activities and social events and I would be lost without them. It has helped me meet new people and I look forward to it.
One important thing I want people to know about stroke is: promote and raise awareness, talk to people and share stories. I was invited to Canterbury Christ University with the Different Strokes Ashford Kent coordinator, where I shared my story with nursing students. I’ve been invited back and I’m going to go yearly to talk to each new cohort. Tell people about Headway and Different Strokes.
How do I feel now? Hopeful.
In the future I want to travel and go on more holidays, walk my dog Mowgli around the neighbourhood, and spend quality time with my wife Rachel, and Grace and Jemima.”
Different Strokes Exercise and Support Groups
We have a network of exercise and stroke support groups providing help for stroke survivors across the UK.
Each group is run by a volunteer-coordinator. Many of our coordinators are stroke survivors themselves.
Our support groups are run by stroke survivor volunteers who are supported by our Volunteer & Group Network Coordinator.
Activities include guest speakers, group outings and exercise.
Exercise has been shown to lift mood, reduce stress and increase self-confidence, carrying on where physiotherapy has left off.
Your donation helps others like Nick on their journeys
There are 100,000 strokes in the UK each year with 1 in 4 happening to somebody of working age or younger. Different Strokes aims to promote independent stroke recovery and help these younger stroke survivors reclaim their lives.
Make a smile lottery is a weekly fundraising lottery. A fun and exciting way to help Different Strokes raise vital funds that will secure our future.
It only costs £1 per play, and you can choose to play every week or whenever you feel like taking a chance and doing something good. For more information click here.
