Press release -
Birmingham stroke survivor receives regional recognition
A stroke survivor from Acocks Green has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association.
Engineering manager Simon Tricklebank, 56, had his first stroke aged 49 in November 2008. He had a second stroke just four days later, before a third left him critically ill with memory loss, double vision, communication problems and severe panic attacks.
Simon’s wife Lynne said: “The news was devastating – Simon’s life changed forever in the blink of an eye. I was told that if Simon did pull through, he might never walk or talk again.”
After six months in hospital, Simon’s road to recovery began and the couple received support from the Stroke Association’s Family and Carer Support Service.
Lynne said: “After his stroke, Simon was unable to return to work or drive. Losing his independence was the most difficult thing to accept. Before his strokes we would both be busy with work and out most weekends visiting family and friends, enjoying a busy social life. The strokes have not only had a huge impact on Simon but on the whole family.”
Lynne nominated Simon for the Stroke Association’s Adult Courage Award, adding: “We now have a beautiful granddaughter Ruby who has given Simon a new lease of life. He works with a personal trainer and attends activities with various local groups, including swimming, archery and even indoor rock climbing. It’s fantastic to see him improving; Simon’s strength and determination is amazing.”
Simon received his Highly Commended certificate at a celebratory event at The ICC in Birmingham on Wednesday 25 November. His certificate was presented by Dave Hill, lead guitarist and vocalist in Slade.
Simon said: “I’ve been striving to achieve my main goal, to walk with a stick, and I’m so proud to say that I’ve now achieved this. I attend the gym and lots of different local groups, such as Solihull Active and Headway West Midlands. They have all inspired both Lynne and me, and given us lots of support.
“I’m also extremely thankful to Lynne for all her hard work and commitment in caring for me. It means a lot to be nominated for the Life After Stroke Award and helps me appreciate how far I’ve come in my recovery.”
Bernice Jones, Regional Director for the Stroke Association in the West Midlands, said: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the West Midlands and Leicestershire were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same.”
The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations. Nominations for the 2016 Life After Stroke Awards are currently open and close on 30 April 2016. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA
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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
