Sandeep and I have volunteered ourselves to do a Skydive. We have become motivated to fundraise as much as we can to help Stroke survivors!

What does ‘Stroke’ mean to us? It didn’t mean anything at first. Like many people, the most we knew about a stroke was seeing the advert on the TV. Never did we once think that some of the symptoms of a stroke were feeling weak; paralysed; numb; unsteady; blurred vision and even difficulty speaking. Every year there are approximately 152,000 strokes in the UK and that is one stroke every five minutes.

Without knowing someone who has suffered a stroke, we would still be unaware of how serious the symptoms are and how important the recovery is.

Unfortunately I, Sandeep, have experienced this first hand. Flashing blue lights, hospital waiting rooms, doctors and nurses rushing around. The 24 April 2012 will always be one of those days I’ll never forget. It was the day the funniest and sweetest woman I know suffered a major Hemorrhagic Stroke. The stroke affected the left side of her body, leaving her being unable to walk, move her arm or even sit up unaided. Luckily that courageous and determined lady was one of the few lucky people who lived to tell the tale.

The road to recovery was long and hard, we could all clearly see that this was not going to be easy. It was physically draining but the emotional impact it left on us all was indescribable. I remember visiting the hospital with a huge smile on my face covering up the fact that I was terrified. Terrified if she will ever sit up again, walk or even hug me with both arms. But it was important for her recovery that we stayed positive and encouraged her to keep going no matter how hard it got. The doctors, nurses and physiotherapists who worked with her were amazing and so upbeat, which really helped take the edge off.

Friends, family members and Doctors were shocked at how hard she worked and how determined she was to stand up and start walking again. And finally through her sheer willpower and commitment, by the 1 June 2012 she was discharged from hospital and walked out of hospital..unaided.

After experiencing a loved one suffer a stroke you suddenly realise how common this is and how many people like me are going through what I did on a daily basis. It is important for recovery that stroke victims are surrounded by a good support network and as it is so easy to give up. The Stroke Association not only helps stroke victims, but they support their family and friends get through one of the toughest times of their lives. This is why we would like to donate to the Stroke association as their support to stroke victims and their families is truly life changing. They provide excellent support networks for families offering resources, group sessions and life after stroke. Although the word ‘Stroke’ still makes us feel uneasy to this day, her experience has truly touched and inspired us all.

I, Aman have become so fascinated with the work the charity is doing, that I have volunteered myself to work with stroke survivors by offering my own support on a weekly basis. This may include having a regular conversation with someone, activities or even going for a coffee. Whichever way I provide my support, I believe that these little things help these survivors achieve the best recovery as possible.

‘We believe stroke can be and should be prevented’. 

 

 

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