​Gateshead stroke survivor releases her first original story book

A stroke survivor from Gateshead has seen her dream come true, after her first ever children’s book has been published.

Denise Groom, 56, had a severe stroke during back surgery in September 2013. She was in Queen Elizabeth Hospital for three weeks, before leaving with limited communication. She struggled with stuttering when she spoke and was left with trouble writing and spelling.

Before her stroke, Denise was a keen writer of children’s stories, often reading her own original tales to her nephews and young family members. However after her stroke, she found herself writing back to front, or mirror writing.

Once discharged from hospital, Denise was supported by the Stroke Association’s Communication Support Service, which gave her the confidence to begin writing again. As her writing skills returned, Denise wrote five short children’s stories, which have now been combined with tales written before her stroke and published in her very first book, A Dream Come True.

The Stroke Association has funded the project and the book will retail at £4.99, available from Denise herself, at the Stroke Association Communication Support Group and the regional office in Gateshead. £1 from every sale will be donated to the Stroke Association. The book features ten short stories for children and is a magical gift for younger children.

Denise said: “If it wasn’t for the Stroke Association, this wouldn’t be possible. When I first came out of hospital I sat at home and was very apprehensive about attending the Communication Support Group. However, we soon became like a little family and being around others in a similar situation really helped to build my confidence. When I took my stories in to share with the group, they were so positive it encouraged me to write again.

“I’m so grateful to Maria and the Stroke Association team for their support. The book really is a dream come true, hence the title. Each story focuses on an educational message but in a childlike way, such as keeping safe, learning numbers and letters, or even how to tie your shoelaces. I plan to keep writing and hopefully even publish another book!”

Donna Stott, Regional Information Officer for the Stroke Association, said: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. To see Denise rebuild her life after her stroke and overcome the challenges she faced, is hugely inspirational. Denise is proof that together, we can conquer stroke. We wish her the very best of luck with the book and encourage everyone to buy a copy.”

For more information about A Dream Come True, contact the Stroke Association Regional Office in Gateshead on 0191 487 9988.

The Stroke Association provides a Communication Support Service in Gateshead, in partnership with Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.