At first I now understand I was in complete denial – this isn’t happening to me; it will pass in a minute, etc. I had a CT scan and I was then admitted. At first I now understand I was in complete denial – this isn’t happening to me; it will pass in a minute, etc. Shortly after this though I was very frightened and bewildered. How has this happened to me? My stroke happened just at the start of the COVID pandemic, and I had a real fear of being even more at risk of getting COVID because I was in a hospital.

I got out of hospital just before lockdown, so most of my family were confined to the house and this meant I had plenty of help when I needed it. My wife was working from home, but was essentially my nurse at that time, although for I was glad to have participated in a six week recovery support programme, but this was on virtual media during that time.

Talking to other recent stroke survivors was very helpful, but I feel it would have been so much better in person. I understand that’s no one’s fault that it was this way, and it was just the circumstances at the time, but at least it was there!

My children are all grown and adults now, although a couple are still at home. They have all accepted what happened to me now. They are patient, but forget sometimes that they have to make allowances for me, for example if we’re planning a family day out together, or going on holiday. Understandably they forget sometimes to remember that I can’t walk very far, or struggle to walk anywhere that isn’t flat, etc. Quite a few times, the family has gone places where I feel excluded and can’t actually participate with them. They also have some frustration when they have to factor me and my new needs in, when they are planning something. It affected my mum a lot. She thought this was something that should have happened to her and not her son, so I think much more awareness is needed that a stroke does not just happen to older people.

A stroke often means hidden disability, especially if you are young. I have come to realise from meeting other survivors that this is a huge area, and one which is neglected, but where a lot of awareness and education is required. If a young person has a hidden disability (especially from a stroke), they appear ‘normal’ and generally people just see a young person. But really there may be a person who can’t do day to day tasks and sometimes actually requires some help. Mostly though I think much of what’s needed is a lot of patience from those around them.

Talking about what has happened to me has helped immensely. Although I am overweight and have other underlying health problems (diabetic & hypertension), a stroke can happen to anyone, and at any time. I think more awareness of the symptoms of a stroke is essential.

Although I had seen the advert on TV countless times; when it happened to me, I had no clue what was happening to me! If I had been on my own (and had not had my wife present at the time) my denial of what was happening to me might have prevented me from calling the ambulance as quickly as my wife had. I came across Different Strokes on Instagram and getting this opportunity to tell my story has been sort of therapeutic! I don’t know if that would makes sense to some people but it’s my experience. Only my family and friends know about my stroke, so I feel with it being four years on, its time to be ‘public’ about it – and to help raise awareness, not only of stroke, but also hidden disability.