Grimsby stroke survivor celebrates fifth year of recovery with walk

Debby Fields, 42 from Grimsby, is set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke fundraising walk at Central Park on Sunday 20 May. She will be marking five years to the day since a life-changing stroke.

Step out for Stroke walks raise money for the Stroke Association to support stroke survivors and their families as they regain their independence. 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.

Debby was at home when she felt exhausted after staying up all night, to complete work for her university degree in social care. After falling asleep, she woke up unable to move her arm and leg.

Debby said: “I tried to call my son Ryan who was downstairs and when I crawled out to the landing to get his attention, I collapsed. I was in hospital for seven weeks, and had no movement at all in my right side. My speech was also affected; I could only say yes and no and couldn’t even remember my children’s names.”

After being discharged from hospital, Debby underwent intense physiotherapy and her movement and speech starting to gradually return, although her right hand still has limited movement.

Debby was supported by the Stroke Association in North East Lincolnshire and now volunteers at the charity’s local Communication Support service, supporting other stroke survivors to regain their communication.

She said: “When I visited the group I realised how much I enjoyed talking to other people. It helps me as much as it helps them.”

Debby is now marking five years to the day since her stroke, by taking part in the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke event, alongside her husband Kevin, children Maddison and Ethan, her parents and her family. Her older son Ryan is training for 100 mile bike ride from London to Surrey on 29^th July, and he is raising money for the Stroke Association.

She added: “It’s the first time I’ve ever taken part in the Step out for Stroke and when I realised the date I knew it was meant to be. I’m so happy my family are all taking part alongside me to mark a milestone in how far I’ve come.”

Katie Chatburn, Stroke Association Support Coordinator, said: “Stroke strikes in an instant and is the leading cause of disability in the UK. It’s a real inspiration to see Debby 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. Visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepoutto sign-up to an event near you.

Go Purple for Pounds this May and raise money to help the Stroke Association reach and support more stroke survivors on their journey to regain their independence. Visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple for more information.