​Bournemouth stroke survivor receives regional recognition

A stroke survivor from Bournemouth has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association in recognition of his dedication, commitment and compassion to volunteering.

Bill Lindsay, 56, had a life changing stroke at the age of 49. The stroke left Bill with a communication difficulty called aphasia, which meant that he was left unable speak, read or write.

After receiving support from the Stroke Association and Poole Hospital, Bill decided that in 2013 he would volunteer for the charity to help other stroke survivors.

Bill said: “It took me over a year to speak again. My stroke robbed me of so much at the time, it turned my life upside down within an instant.

“I couldn’t face knowing more people were going to go through what I had been through, and that’s why I wanted to do something to help. I meet stroke survivors and their families at Poole Hospital and let them know everything will be OK. I find that when other stroke survivors know I’ve been through it too, they open up and feel they can ask me questions they couldn’t ask a doctor or a nurse.

“When I had my stroke, the Stroke Association and stroke team at Poole Hospital really did save my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I wanted to do something to thank them both whilst helping others. It’s so encouraging to see such courage every day from stroke survivors I meet. Stroke has become a passion and has really taken over my life, but in a good way! Wherever I go I have my ‘stroke’ hat on.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Award was presented to Bill at a ceremony at the Hilton hotel in Bournemouth on 17 January 2019.

Bill was nominated for the Volunteering Award by Sarah Day, Support Manager at the Stroke Association. Sarah said: “Bill is an amazing person. He is kind, sensitive, funny, enthusiastic and thoughtful. He is totally committed to helping others who have also had a stroke and uses his own experience in a truly inspirational way to support them. When I first met Bill I instantly knew what help he could provide to stroke survivors and their families. Stroke survivors really value his kindness and words of wisdom, and are often very inspired by his courage in overcoming his stroke and learning to live a different life now.

“Bill has been involved in many fundraising events to raise money for the Stroke Association and Poole Hospital. You will always see Bill with a big smile on his face a freshly baked cake in his hand. Everyone that has worked with Bill comments on how dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate he is – we can’t quite imagine the stroke world without him.”

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.

To find out more about the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA.