Portsmouth stroke survivor takes on walking challenge five months after a stroke left him fighting for his life

Andy Cloud, 59 from Southsea, is set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke fundraising walk, just five months after a life changing stroke.

In January 2018, Andy woke up one morning unable to speak, move the right side of his body and his face had dropped on one side. Andy’s wife Janice realised he was having a stroke, and quickly dialled 999 for help.

Andy spent four weeks in hospital recovering, and was left unable to walk, and had difficulties swallowing and talking.

Janice said: “Andy is recovering well. His main problems are around communication, concentration and fatigue. He has forgotten how to read and write and has no conception of numbers, times or dates. He can sometimes get his words mixed up which can lead to some very odd conversations, and he has also forgotten how to drive. He doesn’t recognise road signs and gets muddled over routes which were once very familiar.

“We will be forever grateful for the wonderful care and support that Andy has received. We cannot speak highly enough about the excellent neurological team at Southampton University Hospital, and the stroke and rehabilitation teams at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

“We’re also really thankful for the Stroke Association’s wonderful support. When you’re suddenly faced with something as terrifying as a stroke, having someone on a personal level tell you everything will be OK makes such a difference. Portsmouth Different Strokes Group have also been an invaluable source of kindness, understanding and support.”

“Luckily I am a trained nurse, I have just retired so I’ve been able to be by Andy’s side at every step of his journey. The teams at the hospitals always allowed me to take an active part in his care so he could be home as quickly as possible. I’m so impressed by Andy’s spirit of determination, his patience, courage and hard work. We are rebuilding our life, one that is different to how we imagined but in many ways brighter. We feel the love we have for each other more deeply now and know how scary it was to think we may lose each other. Life is good and we intend to make the most of every day. We have two wonderful children and lots of friends and family who have helped us get through the scary times and who continue to be there for us.”

Andrew and Janice will be taking on the Step Out for Stroke at Canoe Lake on Saturday 9 June 2018, to help raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Janice adds: “It has been a very scary journey so far and there were times at the beginning when we thought Andy may not survive, let alone come home and walk again. We both feel blessed that there is so much support in Portsmouth for us and this makes life a lot less daunting.

“It will be our 36^thanniversary next month. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to take on this walk with Andrew.”

Step out for Stroke walks will take place across the UK from May to July 2018 to raise money for the Stroke Association to support stroke survivors and their families. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and there are there are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the after effects. For stroke survivors who are taking part it’s also a celebration of their first steps towards overcoming the challenges of living with stroke and regaining their independence.

Tammy Angus, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke strikes in an instant and causes more disabilities than any other condition. It’s a real inspiration to see Andrew taking on this walking challenge to raise vital funds to support other stroke survivors.

“Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level. We’re inviting the whole community to come to this fun day out and help us make it an event to remember.”

Step out for Stroke walks take place across the UK from May to July 2018. Visitwww.stroke.org.uk/stepoutto sign-up to an event near you.

To sponsor Andrew, please visit:www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andy-cloud