Different Strokes proudly announces Ingrid Ash as the winner of The Outstanding Contribution Award 2024. We caught up with Ingrid to follow her journey from stroke survivor to inspiring advocate.
Ingrid’s story began in September 2007 when, at 31 weeks pregnant with her second daughter, she experienced a multi-focal stroke. The sudden onset of her condition changed her life in profound ways, leaving her grappling with the challenges of rehabilitation while caring for a newborn and a toddler.
‘In hospital, their focus for getting me home was on ‘how to make a cup of tea,’ but for me, my focus was on ‘How do I feed my baby and hold her?’ recalls Ingrid, reflecting on the early days of her recovery. ‘I wished they had made it personal to my goals and challenges.’
Ingrid’s Daughter Erin Ash is studying Film making at Birmingham City University. She recently created this five minute documentary about her mum.
Faced with the daunting task of navigating her recovery journey, Ingrid and her husband, Darren sought support from various avenues. ‘We needed help and one of the responses I had from a healthcare professional was to contact ‘Help the Aged’. I was 27 and I really didn’t think I would qualify for their help! When we came across Different Strokes, it felt perfect for us.’ says Ingrid. ‘There wasn’t a group local to us at that time, so I made a promise to myself to set up a group to support others.’
Determined to provide the kind of support she wished she had received during her own rehabilitation, Ingrid took it upon herself to establish a local group in Birmingham, where stroke survivors and their families could find people who understood the challenge of having a stroke at a young age: ‘I wanted to create a space where survivors like me could feel understood and supported,’ says Ingrid. ‘It was important to me that no one felt alone in their journey.’
Since its inception in 2010, the Birmingham Different Strokes group has flourished under Ingrid’s guidance. What began as a modest gathering has evolved into a thriving community offering a range of activities and support services, from inclusive exercise sessions to art therapy workshops and social outings. Ingrid shares: ‘The art therapy sessions, particularly, have garnered popularity. I work with artist Jillian from Lever Arts, we secure funding to ensure these sessions remain free for attendees, a practice we’ve upheld for about seven or eight years now.
Prior to my stroke, I worked as a trained pediatric nurse for five years on a children’s neurosurgical and neurorehabilitation ward. It was a stark contrast to find myself in a hospital bed, the recipient of care rather than the provider. I remember listening to hurtful remarks from medical staff around me and I would mentally jot it down to try to change things when I was better! It spurred me on, I was voiceless then but I wanted my voice to be heard.
I’m proud to say that I now serve on the Stroke Engagement Group at the local Hospital, bringing my firsthand experience as a younger stroke survivor to the table. I advocate for addressing real issues, such as the long-term psychological impact of stroke and the need for ongoing mental health support tailored for stroke survivors.
In addition to my advocacy work, I volunteer to speak at staff training sessions, aiming to educate healthcare professionals about the challenges faced by stroke survivors and how they can better support us. Drawing from my own negative experiences, I strive to shift their perspective from ‘patient’ to ‘person’.
Each month, I visit the hospital to engage with individuals on the wards, offering support and companionship to survivors and their families. I often bring some art and crafty things for people to do if they wish.’
Whilst Ingrid loves her volunteering, it is not without its challenges. She has had days where it has felt tough: ‘Juggling my responsibilities as a Group Coordinator alongside my own life and recovery can be challenging. There have been moments over the past fourteen years when I’ve contemplated stepping back from volunteering. Yet, amidst these doubts, there are instances that remind me why I keep going. Witnessing the remarkable progress of our members, often with tears in my eyes. They have all come so far and so many of them have become close friends.’
Ingrid and her husband feel passionately that they can also give hope to couples navigating the challenges of post-stroke life: ‘Both my husband, Darren, and I attend each meeting. We vividly recall the nurse’s grim prognosis of relationships post-stroke; warning us of the strain a stroke can place on relationships. I used to tell Darren in the early days ‘it’s okay you can leave me’. He never did and we were determined that we would not be one of those couples who didn’t survive.’
‘Darren often sits on a separate table talking with the survivors partners. They can all offload on each other, whilst us survivors do the same. I hope that the positivity and cheerfulness that me and Darren have can provide people with hope for their future. It doesn’t get easier as much as you learn to manage and cope with it all better. We want to show people that there is enjoyment, there is life after stroke.’
‘My youngest daughter, Phoebe requested to volunteer within the group as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award challenge. I enlisted her and her friend to design a group leaflet and she got busy honing her tea-making skills. For both my daughters, it has been really important for them to grow up alongside the group, they have a deeper empathy for others’ experiences than many people their age.’
We asked Ingrid to share how it felt finding out she has won the Outstanding Achievement award: ‘Winning this award came as a surprise to me. Different Strokes CEO, Austin, left me a message and I was convinced he was chasing some paperwork or that I was in trouble! I phoned him back and when he told me it left me speechless.
I strongly feel that I’m not accepting this award as an individual, but as part of a family effort. My parents, Carole and Eugene Johnson, my husband Darren, and my daughters Erin and Phoebe Ash have all played crucial role in everything.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our group members – Gurmej, Sab, Claire, and her late partner Terry, Keith and Kath, Humaira, Ifzal, and the remarkable Ishmael, for their unwavering support.
My Different Strokes journey has introduced me to many valuable friends, filling the void left by those lost during my stroke. I also want to thank the staff at Different Strokes too, particularly Caroline, Austin, and Lauren, for their support.
Looking ahead, Ingrid has more plans for the group and her future as a Different Strokes volunteer. ‘ Fellow stroke survivor and friend Brin Helliwell is deeply involved in stroke research, will be joining our group meeting soon to tell us how to get involved.
We have our annual fundraising quiz in December, hosted by my brother is always a highlight of the year. It’s open to everyone, just drop me an email at birmingham@differentstrokes.co.uk if you’d like to join in the fun!
If you have inspired by Ingrid, she is also on the lookout for a volunteer of her own: ‘If there is anyone in the Birmingham Sandwell area who could serve as group treasurer or assist me in setting up our sessions. I would love to hear from you!
We ended our chat with Ingrid to ask what her advice for fellow stroke survivors would be, she left us with this sage guidance: ‘Take your time with recovery, and don’t rush the process. Surround yourself with loved ones or make new friends through Different Strokes to navigate the highs and lows. Maintaining a positive outlook and sense of humour is key – laughter truly is the best medicine.’
Caroline Saunders, Volunteer & Group Coordinator for Different Strokes said: ‘From facing the daunting challenges of stroke recovery while nurturing a newborn and toddler to her commitment to creating a support network in Birmingham, driven by her own experiences, Ingrid’s resilience and generosity of spirit speak volumes about her character.
It’s humbling to witness her efforts in running her local group, working to educate healthcare professionals, and supporting survivors on stroke wards. Her determination to fill the void she once felt reminds us that one person can make a remarkable difference in the lives of countless others.
Ingrid’s warmth and humility shine through in every interaction; she has a natural way of making the people she supports comfortable. Her dedication to making a difference, coupled with her unwavering spirit, makes her a most deserving recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award. We are immensely fortunate to have her as part of the Different Strokes family, and it is wonderful to see her being recognised.’
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