Press release -
Ropley stroke survivor gives a helping hand to others
Stroke survivor and mum of three, Gina Smith, is turning her own experience of stroke into a positive one, by supporting other stroke survivors in Alton.
Gina, 45, from Ropley was driving to work one day when she suddenly lost consciousness and crashed her car. Gina was rushed to hospital where doctors had to quickly operate on a hole in her heart. Two days later whilst recovering in hospital, Gina had a devastating stroke.
Gina was left with right side paralysis, speech difficulties, and lost all of her memory.
Gina said, “It was the most frightening day of my life. I woke up from my stroke not knowing anything about my past or my life. I couldn’t understand what had happened, and what this meant for me. Thankfully after leaving hospital, I was soon put in touch with a member of the Stroke Association team, who made a huge difference to my life. Stroke has had a huge impact on not only me, but my family and friends. Stroke can be really frightening, and that is why I want to give something back to help others who find themselves in position as I was.”
Gina is now running a Stroke Association voluntary group at The Alton Maltings Centre in Alton, fortnightly, on Tuesdays, from 2pm-4pm.
Lucy Richmond, Communication Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “It’s really exciting to have a new source of support for local stroke survivors, as well as their families. The group will be a great opportunity for stroke survivors and carers to meet other people who have been affected by stroke and share their experiences.
“It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community throughout their road to recovery. We’d love to hear from people who may like to get involved with helping to run the group and make a huge difference to the lives of local people affected by stroke.”
To find out more information about the group, please contact Gina Smith on 01962 773534 or by emailing altonstrokegroup@stroke.org.uk
For more information about stroke, visit 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 together we can conquer 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 www.stroke.org.uk
