As regular viewers of our YouTubes on "Pond Pete" and readers of our various reports on our “Norfolk Angling Club Face Group Page and WhatsApp group ”, I had a stroke back in February 2024.

Through the efforts of the NHS Queen Elizabeth II (West Raynham Ward) and the Norfolk Early Supported Discharge Team I am now back fishing again with Norfolk Angling Club on our regular Monday night matches, managing this week a 2nd place in the match with a 38cm bass and a few Dabs.

None of this could have happened without the early intervention of the paramedics who picked me up and ambulanced me to the QEII, the care of the nurses / doctors / physios on the West Raynham ward and the NCH&C early stroke discharge team.

So as a thank you to the “TEAM” who got me back fishing I am keen to invite you to make a small donation to the Norfolk Community Health Care by following the link below.

My wife remembering the FAST (see below) acronym recognised the need to call an ambulance, definitely saving my life. Allowing the ambulance and paramedics sufficient time to do their job within the golden 4 hour window. I can’t remember much about the various hospital treatments, just that everyone was so supportive.

That support became more evident as speech returned and my drive to get out of bed returned. The physio team worked miracles and I can still remember most vividly that first walk down the ward and the climbing of a full flight of stairs. Then the follow up home by visits from stroke team, great support….what a team, another big thanks.

At this point I would like to record my thanks to all the members of the Norfolk Angling Club who took time to visit and send messages of support, and still continue to look after me on the beach….thanks all. Especially remember that first trip back to Weybourne Beach thanks Roger C and Richard H.

Well, it has been just over 4 months since my stroke, some things are not quite there yet but I’m driving, riding my push bike, fishing especially on the shingle and walking at least 6000 steps per day and believe it or not typing with 2 hands.

So, if you have read all this in detail, can I ask you to make a small donation to the fund that keeps all these various elements of our dedicated NHS performing so professionally and with such care and consideration.

Thank you....Simon

Remember: FAST

• Face – the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.

• Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.

• Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you're saying to them.

• Time – it's time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.