Angharad’s story

Angharad had her stroke just days before her 32nd birthday.

'I went to move my right arm and I couldn’t. I went to move my right leg and it wouldn’t move. I tried to call out to my husband Joe. The words came out slurred. I knew I was having a stroke.'

'Strokes don’t discriminate, and I never thought I would have one so young. But they can happen at any age.'

'Dave, my Stroke Support Coordinator from the Stroke Association, provided invaluable words of support and comfort. He’s had a stroke as well, so it was nice speaking to someone who had that lived experience. He was so comforting and showed me there is light at the end of the tunnel.'

'I do see the progress I am making, and I’m determined to show my little girl how strong I am.'

Dajan’s story

Dajan was just 24 when he had a stroke. Young, ambitious, and full of energy, he had built a life that revolved around creativity, family and travel.

Dajan said: ‘Life was good. I have great family and friends, a job I love, and I was happy. I was always on the go. I didn’t think anything could stop me.

‘When they said that word [stroke], I thought, surely not me? You never think something like that could happen to you, especially in your twenties.’

Dajan now volunteers with the Stroke Association’s Weekly Volunteer Calls telephone service, supporting other stroke survivors and helping them feel less alone. ‘I’m really honoured to be volunteering for the Stroke Association. I can share a bit of hope with other stroke survivors.’

Colt’s story

Colt had his first stroke when he was just 36. During major brain surgery, he then had another second stroke.

As well as physical and cognitive impairments such as not being able to cook a meal or walking, Colt has also faced significant psychological challenges. By sharing his story, he wants to help people understand that recovery can take longer than expected, so it is important to hold onto hope.

His partner, Jess said: ‘Thanks to Michelle, our Stroke Support Coordinator, we’ve also gone to the local Stroke Association support group. It was so useful because Colt met a chap who owns his own wellness gym, and since then, he has gone along to make himself stronger.

It’s so important for people to have access to Stroke Association support.

Patsy’s story

Thanks to supporters like you, Patsy was helped by her local Stroke Support Coordinator – something she says made a huge difference.

Patsy said: ‘Having that person come into my home, sit down with me, and really listen – it meant everything. That face-to-face support was vital – it helped me make sense of what had happened and gave me hope. I really don’t know what I would had done without it.’