​Musical stroke survivor receives regional recognition for the Creative Arts

A musician and stroke survivor from Leeds has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of his determination and creativity.

Enrico Marchesi, 52 from Horsforth, was a professional trumpet player and music teacher. With a passion for jazz and salsa, music had been a huge part of his life ever since he was a young boy in Italy. As an adult he graduated from the Bergamo and Rome Conservatoire and played with the National Symphony Orchestra of Italy. When he then moved to England with his wife Jacqui in 1998, his musical career continued to flourish.

However, Enrico feared he would never play music again after he had a stroke in May 2010 and he felt he had lost his identity. He lost all confidence to play music in public. With support from the Stroke Association, he was put in touch with Musicians UK, a charity which ensured Enrico was offered support by medical clinicians who themselves were amateur musicians

After a lot of encouragement and sheer determination, Enrico has proven everybody wrong and formed ‘A Stroke Of Genius’ swing band, just three years after his stroke. The band now performs uplifting and inspiring concerts regularly around Leeds to raise funds for the Stroke Association. They also work to raise awareness of stroke and the fact they can happen at any age.

Enrico was presented with his certificate and award by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor David Congreve, at the celebratory event on Thursday 27 November at the Stroke Association Regional Centre in Leeds.

Jo Koszel, Regional Information Officer at the Stroke Association, nominated Enrico for the Award for the Creative Arts. She said: “Enrico has made a difference in so many ways; not only through his fundraising but as an inspiration for others and an incredible sense of fun. Each concert the band plays is extremely uplifting and is a result of a huge amount of sheer determination from Enrico.”

Enrico said: “I have had to learn to like music again but music is a joy and I want to play to give thanks.”

Julia MacLeod, Regional Head of Operations for the Stroke Association in Yorkshire and the Humber, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the Yorkshire and the Humber were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event will highlight the tremendous courage people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same. If you would like to nominate someone for their recovery or for doing something incredible to raise vital funds for people recovering from stroke, please nominate them for next year’s awards.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards 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. Next year’s nominations are now open. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LifeAfterStrokeAwards

For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.