麻豆社

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That鈥檚 because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly.聽 Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.聽

The Stroke Association support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. The Stroke Association provides specialist support, funds critical research and campaigns to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives. Rebuilding lives after a stroke is a team effort. It takes the determination of stroke survivors and carers, the generosity of supporters and the dedication of the healthcare and research communities to get there. With more donations and support from you, we can rebuild even more lives.

Rudolph Walker CBE is best known for his role as Patrick Trueman on 麻豆社鈥檚 EastEnders. He has been a fantastic supporter of the Stroke Association since his storyline involved him playing a stroke survivor.聽

Rudolph has first-hand experience of how devastating stroke can be, having spent time on a stroke unit researching and understanding the impact of stroke. He has also seen the positive impact of research after his father made a full recovery after his stroke.聽

Rudolph has supported many campaigns for the Stroke Association, as well as attending the Life After Stroke Awards and reading at the Christmas Carol Concert.

Santokh had a devastating stroke which left him with limited mobility and severe aphasia. He can only communicate through gestures and the word "hey". The experience was terrifying for his wife Nielam and their children, Rohin and Prianka. Santokh's stroke turned their world upside down.

Santokh鈥檚 stroke hasn't stopped him doing what he loves. With help from the Stroke Association, he has joined a gym. His mobility has vastly improved, and he can now use over 20 machines, adjusting them himself. His doctor and his family never thought they would see such improvements in his physical abilities.

鈥淭he Stroke Association has helped us along every step of the way,鈥� says Nielam. 鈥淭he progress he has made has been unbelievable. Santokh is so much more than his stroke. He鈥檚 a fighter, and he won鈥檛 give up.鈥�

Dave had a stroke in 2017 at 36 years old. He was young, fit and healthy and he never expected it. "I couldn鈥檛 walk or talk properly and I still get symptoms today of aphasia and fatigue.鈥澛�

Dave was one of the first to join a new Stroke Club in Wales to meet other male stroke survivors who have had similar experiences, problems and support each other rebuild their lives after stroke.

鈥淲e would help each other through it and meet up and talk about our experience, it is a massive help to me.鈥� The club has been meeting online during lockdown.

Dave has also had physio and communication therapy provided through the Stroke Association and has now become a Stroke Ambassador. Dave is still in regular contact with his support co-ordinator 鈥淢y co-ordinator has been a huge help to me. She has been invaluable in my recovery. I would never have got to where I have without her.鈥�

Erin had a haemorrhagic stroke in April 2012, aged 29. She was working at Brunel University at the time. The hospital initially thought Erin had meningitis until they spotted the bleed in a CT scan. 鈥淚 had my eyes closed for about three weeks following the stroke. At first, the light was like needles. I had to learn to walk again. I was very slow at first, but I was very motivated to get back to it.鈥�

Erin called the Stroke Association鈥檚 national Helpline for emotional support and practical advice. For Erin, rebuilding her life has meant adapting to her new normal: 鈥淓ven today I struggle with fatigue and headaches. I say to myself 鈥楾hat was me, but it鈥檚 different now鈥�. But last year I finished my PhD in Chemistry, which shows it鈥檚 possible to achieve your goals. You just need that extra support to get you through.鈥�