My passion for supporting Bristol After Stroke (BAS) https://www.bristolafterstroke.org.uk/ began during my PhD journey. BAS played a vital role in helping me conduct my research study, and for that I will always be profoundly grateful.

Wanting to give something back, I started leading exercise classes for stroke survivors in 2016. Since then, nearly 500 people have benefited from these group exercise programmes, helping them improve their physical function, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

We also developed a series of exercise videos to support stroke survivors in staying active at home. These resources are now being used to deliver stroke survivor-led exercise programmes, enabling more people to access rehabilitation and physical activity in their own communities. Physical activity is essential not only for stroke recovery but also for reducing the risk of future strokes.

Bristol After Stroke has been instrumental in supporting stroke survivors and their families across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Over the years, funding has enabled the charity to grow, take on new challenges, and expand its services significantly. In 2016, BAS received around 180 referrals each year; today, that number has grown to approximately 900. This support has helped BAS provide counselling services, peer support groups, community cafés, volunteering opportunities, and new physical activity initiatives such as walking football and walking netball.

I am truly grateful to the kind person who nominated me for the JustGiving Awards 2026. Although I was not shortlisted, I feel deeply honoured and humbled by the recognition. This acknowledgement reflects not only my efforts but also the incredible support of the players, sponsors, donors, colleagues, and friends who have stood behind this cause.

Together, we have demonstrated the power of community, compassion, and collective action. Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey and helped make a difference in the lives of stroke survivors. Your generosity and encouragement continue to inspire me every day.

This year, I am dedicating this tournament to the memory of my close friend, Steve Miller, whom we lost in 2016.

Steve and I shared many happy hours on the badminton court together, and it is hard to believe that nearly a decade has passed since his passing. He was a truly remarkable person whose kindness, warmth, and friendship touched so many lives. Those who knew Steve will remember not only his love of sport but also his generosity, sense of humour, and the positive impact he had on everyone around him.

As we come together for this tournament, I would like to honour Steve's memory and celebrate the values he embodied: friendship, resilience, and community spirit. His legacy continues to inspire me, and I know that many others feel the same.

Steve, you are deeply missed but never forgotten. ❤️

Thank you for your support.

#JustGivingAwards2026 #BristolAfterStroke #StrokeRehabilitation #StrokeRecovery #GivingBack #Fundraising #CommunityImpact