​Local stroke survivor urges support for charity who helped his recovery

Phil Silcock, a stroke survivor from Haywards Heath is supporting the Stroke Association’s ‘I am more than my stroke’ Christmas appeal after the charity helped him after a devastating stroke left him unable to walk or talk.

Father of two, Phil, 60, who had a stroke in February said: “I know first-hand that stroke can turn your life upside down in an instant and change it forever. I remember lying in my hospital bed seeing my children crying, unable to talk to them or even reach out to them. At that point I thought I’d lost everything.”

In hospital, Phil received thrombectomy, a pioneering stroke treatment that physically removes the clot. Three days after receiving thrombectomy, Phil began to regain feeling in his body and could slowly speak again.

Phil adds: “Despite what I’ve been through, the support I received from the Stroke Association made me feel that I am more than my stroke, I’m still me and I can still live my life.

“After my stroke I had to adapt to whole new way of processing day to day tasks, everything suddenly became a challenge and I had to learn to accept that things were going to be a little different. I still have issues with fatigue and my memory, but I’m slowly getting better and learning how to listen to my body. I’ve returned to work and truly believe I am very lucky to be where I am today. I owe a lot of thanks to the NHS and the Stroke Association.”

There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year. Stroke continues to be a leading cause of disability and over 80 per cent of stroke survivors require help with daily living such as walking, washing, eating and communicating. The ‘I am more than my stroke’ Christmas appeal is seeking to raise money for the Stroke Association so that they can continue to help more stroke survivors with their recovery.

Tara Galloway, Head of Stroke Support from Stroke Association said: “For many stroke survivors, rebuilding their lives after stroke is a long and challenging process. Stroke not only presents physical challenges, but the way it suddenly changes people’s lives and their plans for their future can also cause feelings of depression, anxiety and despair. However, we have seen that with the right support many people can be helped to live fulfilling lives following their stroke.

“As the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting those affected by stroke, we help to address the emotional, practical and physical needs of stroke survivors and their families so they can achieve the best possible quality of life. However, we aren’t yet able to reach everyone who needs our help and that’s why our Christmas Appeal, ‘I am more than my stroke’ is raising essential funds so that we can be there for more people like Phil.”

To find out more about the help and support the Stroke Association offers and to make a donation to its Christmas Appeal visit stroke.org.uk/iammore.