Norwich stroke survivor teams up with rugby star to call on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Norwich stroke survivor and former rugby captain Mike Jolly has teamed up with international rugby star Michael Lynagh to encourage people to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.

The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.

Mike Jolly, 46, from Taverham, met with Michael Lynagh to talk about their rugby carers and to discuss the challenges people can be faced with after having a stroke.

In October 2013 Mike unknowingly tore his vertebral artery during a game of rugby. While the tear healed, a clot headed up to his brain and as a resulted in him having a stroke while driving home afterwards.

Mike said: “The day I had my stroke began just like any other typical day. I played rugby as usual, but began to feel really unwell driving home. I pulled over quickly and luckily so did another driver who could see I was in trouble. I was referred to Addenbrooke’s for one week, where I struggled to do pretty much anything, even walking or talking. I was extremely frightened and couldn’t quite believe that I could have a stroke – I was 44, and led a fit and healthy lifestyle. Until my stroke, I assumed that the condition only happened to older people, or those with bad health. I soon came to learn that I was very wrong.

“Meeting Michael was truly fantastic. It was so reassuring to speak to another stroke survivor who has gone through a similar experience as me, and can relate to the aftermath of a stroke. By getting involved with ‘Give a Hand,’ hopefully many more people will able to help change the world for stroke survivors. The vital funds raised for the Stroke Association will support people like me who are on the road to recovery.”

Michael Lynagh said: “Recovering from a stroke can be one of the hardest challenges life has to throw at you. It was great to meet Mike and find out about the incredible recovery he’s made. This autumn, I’m giving a hand to help people like me and Mike here who have been affected by stroke, Give a Hand and celebrate the different ways stroke survivors are making the most of life.”

George Burroughs, regional fundraising for the Stroke Association, said: “A stroke strikes in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. Three quarters of stroke survivors lose the use of one of their hands. Often people affected by stroke have to re-learn to do the things they’ve always done – using their other hand. The Stroke Association supports people through this rehabilitation.

“We’re calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ this October and raise funds by completing a task, or several, using their ‘other’ hand. By taking part and raising funds for the Stroke Association, we can help more people like Mike and Michael to conquer stroke.”

To find out more about what happened when Mike met Michael Lynagh, click here: https://youtu.be/7YnGDGl19cc

To find out more about ‘Give a Hand,’ please visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack. For more information about stroke call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.