Grace-Joy's story
Grace-Joy is a vivacious and vibrant mentor and life coach – mother to 29-year-old O’Shaie and grandmother to eight year-old Zahkai. She was passionate about her role as a support worker with young people and female prison inmates. But in November 2022, Grace-Joy had a significant stroke.
She was left terrified and unable to walk, talk or swallow. The road to recovery has been long and gruelling but Grace-Joy is now getting back to her life with the help of her family, the Stroke Association, and NHS therapy.
‘It took me six months to be able to say my son’s name. I couldn’t hold a cup properly for a year or walk down the street. After the stroke I was in total despair.’
Grace-Joy was referred to the Stroke Association’s Birmingham and Solihull Stroke Recovery Service by the community therapy team for additional support.
‘The help I had from my son was beautiful, and without support from the Stroke Association, I don’t know where I would be.'
‘Lisa from the Stroke Association was phenomenal. I would have been lost without her. She was so encouraging and took time out of her day to help me, even when I didn’t have a scheduled appointment.’
Lisa also connected Grace-Joy to one of the Stroke Association’s trained volunteers where she had a weekly phone call with someone who understood what she was going through.
‘Speaking to another stroke survivor was a profound experience for me. The experience made me want to help others. I’m embarking on a new chapter and looking forward to this adventure. The future is bright.’
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