I had my stroke in 2014. I was 47 and alone. The most frightening part was I was no longer in control of my body. The next few weeks were a blur to me. I didn’t understand what was happening to me, nothing was explained, and I didn’t ask questions. All I knew was I had to get well again; my son needed.
I was told my lifestyle caused my stroke. Having a stroke made me realise what’s important in life and so I went about changing my life.
I moved into a new disabled flat I worked on my health and got that back thankfully, but I was still struggling as I had no confidence. I couldn’t go out to meet new people. I was lonely and was concerned about my mental health as loneliness is so bad for you.
I knew I had to go out and start meeting people, so I rang the Stroke Association and asked for help. That’s when I met Francesca who took me to my first life after stroke meeting at Neath Port Talbot Stroke Group. Everyone was so kind and friendly, even so I thought all these people didn’t think I’d go again but the following week I was there again and every week after. That’s when everything started changing for the better. Everyone was so kind and caring and so much fun. I didn’t just make good friends they are my stroke family. The feeling of belonging was immense. I love these people and knew what I wanted to do. So, thanks to a very lovely lady who suggested I do some volunteer work with her in another stroke group. I now love helping other stroke survivors although I say volunteering helps me more than anyone. I’m surrounded by lovely caring fun people who literally make my day and thanks to them I’m loving my life better than I ever did.
