I don’t know where I’d be without the Stroke Association – and now I’m asking for your help to make sure others don’t have to face stroke alone.
Hi, I’m Graham. I had a stroke that turned my world upside down.
Although I was disabled and in a wheelchair prior to my first stroke, I still went out to the theatre, I went fishing and model building and was enjoying life.
In March 2022 I had my first of my five strokes.
I remember wondering ‘why can't I move my left side’ and was so frustrated that I couldn't speak. I felt very scared.
I slowly started getting movement back in my left arm and my speech improved although I couldn’t swallow properly. My left leg was the last thing to improve.
My emotional and mental health were badly affected. I became worried about going out, which caused me to become depressed and often angry.
The Stroke Association was there for me when I was feeling at the lowest ever. I can honestly say that if it hadn’t been for the support that I got from them I feel that I may not even be here now. They gave me hope.
That’s why I was so shocked to hear that the Life After Stroke Service in Devon was at risk of being cut .
Today, I want to thank you for your support so far in signing the petition to help save the service. I also want to ask if will you take one more step, and donate to help provide that vital support stroke survivors and their families need here in Devon?
Every year, around 2,500 people in the county have a stroke. Many leave hospital feeling abandoned. With your help, the Stroke Association can be there for those that need support – just like they were for me.
Please, if you can, donate today. Let’s make sure no one faces stroke alone.
Thank you,
Graham
Stroke survivor