One key lesson is that strokes do NOT just happen to older people – they can happen at any age which is something more people need to be aware about – as well as the fact people need to be more aware that just because many people look able – it doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong with them, they can still have invisible disabilities. I’ve also learnt that you should go out of your comfort zone and live your life to its potential no matter how scary – and spend as much time with loved ones as you can – because you don’t know what’s around the corner.
I learnt about Different Strokes through a nurse at Derby hospital and it has made me feel less alone seeing similar stories to mine. My aims and plans are to gain full independence back, do what I love again and to inspire and help others. To spread awareness.
My advice to someone who recently had a stroke is to not give up and to stay strong no matter the fear you may have – because you’re still alive and you will get there. Don’t feel alone, reach out to others.

Luckily, I found the Different Strokes Facebook group and the support from the outset was incredible. I suddenly realised that I wasn’t the only young person to have had a stroke and there was this amazing community which existed. The group helped me to advocate for myself, and as a result I then pushed for a referral to the cardiologist, haematologist and the local stroke team.

Some of the folk at local stroke related groups often make my whole experience an absolute joy and pleasure – and did for me. Some might like to take the mick and have a good bit of banter, but I give as good as I get, and that is what makes some places different from others, but with such a lovely environment to be a part, I would strongly recommend to anyone living with a neurological brain injury to do what I did and find what’s available for them locally.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me that hope, even when it feels impossible, can move mountains. I’ve learned that the right people—angels like Vijay—can reignite the fire you thought had burned out forever. I’ve come to realize that setbacks don’t define us. What defines us is the fight we put up, even when the world says it’s over.

I was told to accept defeat. Instead, I chose to rewrite my story.