On 10th December 2017, age 43, my life changed forever. I had an intra-cerebral haemorrhage and the bleed was the size and shape of a tennis ball. I know at first glance this sounds hilarious, but it was life threatening and therefore very serious and I spent 3 months in hospital/brain rehabilitation centre.

Medical expectations that I would ever walk again were low. I asked the Doctors’ every day whether they thought I would walk again. The answer was always “we don’t know”. Whilst I’m not saying that it’s not funny to be told this, it was also quite scary, so I decided that it was up to me, and I told myself that I was going to walk again regardless of what anyone says.

I was ridiculously happy when after 7 weeks I took my initial tentative steps. 9 years on I still walk with a leg splint and walking stick. My left arm remains totally non functional but I successfully learned to talk again, but stroke fatigue is a lasting issue. Non of this really matters though because for me, walking was the biggest priority. I used to say to myself “I would walk over hot coals to be able to walk again”. I know that statement is non sensical, but to my brain damaged mind it made perfect sense. 9 years later, I’m determined to live up to my promise to myself.

I’m delighted to do this Firewalk over hot coals. Apparently there is no sleight of hand, no trickery involved, you walk barefoot over red hot coals. There is no special technique as such, although dawdling is not advised and neither is stopping to take a selfie. The experts will Riverdance their way across. I’ll be barefoot like everyone else, so no leg splint or walking stick for me. I would rate my chances of tripping and face planting in the hot coals at 50/50. Have I mentioned that I have epilepsy secondary to stroke and when I have a seizure, I have 10 seconds before passing out? Stress and heat are the major triggers. What can possibly go wrong?

Stroke is devastating in almost every way imaginable. I am doing this challenge to honour all stroke survivors who cannot walk, I am the lucky one and I owe it to them out of respect for those less fortunate than me to do this thing.

I would be eternally grateful if you could sponsor me

Different Strokes empowers younger survivors to reclaim their lives through active peer support, information and exercise.

Many thanks and much love,

Rob