Press release -
Farnborough physiotherapist wins Professional Excellence award
Melissa Peters, 32, from Farnborough, Hampshire, has won the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke
Award for Professional Excellence. Melissa, who has been working as a chartered physiotherapist for the past six years, was presented with her gong by stroke survivor Andrew Marr in London on 12 June.
Stroke survivor Andy Pearce, 39, from Camberley, Surrey, nominated Melissa for the award. He explained: “My life fell apart overnight when I had my stroke. I was 38 years old, and was left unable to sit upright, let alone walk. I was terrified about what the future might hold for me, my wife and two children. If I’d had known I was going to meet the world’s best physio, I wouldn’t have been half as worried.
“Melissa spurred me on every single day, gave me a shoulder to cry on when I needed it and a kick in the pants when required. She helped me stand up by myself, and taught me how to walk again. I’m glad my first steps were with her: she absolutely helped me put the pieces of my life back together.”
Melissa said: “Andy impressed me every day with his determination and drive to make the best recovery possible from his stroke. Initially he was a patient, and now I’m very proud to call him my friend. I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d won a Life After Stroke Award. I just feel incredibly lucky to work with such inspirational people like Andy on a daily basis.”
The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation,
recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations.
Jon Barrick, Stroke Association Chief Executive, said: “Physiotherapy for stroke survivors is vital, and Andy’s story is testimony to the huge impact it can have on patients’ rehabilitation. The support Melissa has offered Andy and his family throughout his recovery has been life changing, and she is a worthy winner of a Life After Stroke Award.”
Professor Karen Middleton, Chief Executive Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said: “Andy’s recovery is a fantastic example of what physiotherapists and patients can achieve following a stroke. Physios like Melissa use their skills and expertise to enable people to regain their independence, return to work where appropriate and fulfil their potential.
“Physiotherapy plays a critical role at every stage of a patient’s recovery so it is important that we continue to improve access to it across the country.”
Ends
For further information, case studies, interviews and images please contact the Stroke Association’s media team on 020 7566 1500 or email press@stroke.org.uk
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and we’re leading a community of people to change the world for people affected by stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at ww.stroke.org.uk
