Devon stroke survivor Cliff on the crest of a wave after winning para surfing title 

A Devon stroke survivor who was told he would never walk again has become a para surfing champion, the climax of a four-year quest which began with support from the Stroke Association. 

Cliff Lee, of Braunton, was just 39 when he had a severe bleed on the brain following a mountain biking accident. 

The graphic designer went from having a busy and active lifestyle to being unable to talk, walk, work or surf – something which he had been passionate about. 

But with combined support from the Stroke Association, The Wave Project, his family and his enabler Nessa, Cliff has achieved things he never thought possible. 

He is sharing his story to mark World Stroke Day on Wednesday 29 October and to inspire other stroke survivors to hold onto hope and to never give up on recovery. Due to his speech difficulties, Cliff has shared his experiences with help from Nessa, his partner Natalie, and his brother Darren. 

Described by his friends and family as “fiercely determined”, Cliff has relearnt how to walk, bike, swim and most importantly to him - surf. 

After four years of training, his dream became a reality when he came first in his category at the English Para Surfing Open Championships at The Wave in Bristol. 

Cliff said: “My life came to a complete halt after the stroke. I was feeling very low. I had been surfing since I was six but didn’t know if I would be able to do it again because of my physical disabilities. 

“However, I didn’t let it stop me. I am so grateful to the Stroke Association who connected me to The Wave Project where I learnt how to do adaptive surfing.  

“The Stroke Association also gave me opportunities to socialise again in a supportive environment, which was very important.”

Cliff’s stroke, in August 2013, followed a fall from his bicycle when he hit his head. After initial treatment at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, his condition deteriorated and he was rushed to Bristol Frenchay Hospital where a craniotomy was performed to relieve pressure on his brain. 

Several weeks later,he was transferred to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where he spent a month, followed by another six weeks at the Mardon Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre in Exeter. 

Cliff was initially wheelchair-bound and had carers visiting daily to help him with basic tasks of daily living.  

At this time, Cliff’s family went above and beyond to support him. His brother Darren moved back to Braunton and provided practical support like meal preparation and paperwork.

Darren also enlisted the help of Nessa, a trained sports therapist, carer, and former surfing instructor. Since she started working for the family, Nessa has become a great friend to Cliff and his fellow adventurer. 

As an enabler, Nessa’s role is to support Cliff to improve the quality of his life and independence.

Nessa said: “After realising Cliff needed to seek his passion for surfing I was able to assist Cliff on his journey to recovery through leaning to swim which gave him the confidence to chase his dream and surf… it’s been amazing watching Cliff grow from strength to strengthen!”

Cliff’s therapy team referred him to the Stroke Association in Devon for life after stroke support.  The charity’s support coordinator, Sonya, invited him to attend some Active Lives After Stroke sessions which were funded by Sport England. 

Cliff explained: “Sonya organised three surf sessions at Croyde beach. Ian, the Adaptive Surf Lead for The Wave Project, took us out and it was amazing.” 

Nessa added: “Sonya was a legend. All the events that she organised were accessible and inclusive. Cliff tried golf, tennis and ping pong as well as surfing.”

Inspired by the programme’s positive impact, Cliff’s family and Nessa supported him to keep active. He has learnt to swim with one arm and now rides a recumbent trike, where the laid-back reclining position suits his disabilities.  

Since 2017, he has taken part in multiple sports events both for fun and fundraising – including long distance open water swims and triathlons. 

With help from Nessa, Cliff has even made his own adapted surfboard. 

In his first competitive para surfing event, the 2023 English Para Surfing Open, he came seventh in his category of disability. By 2024, he had climbed to second place, and this year, he won the category. 

Nessa said: “We couldn’t believe it when we saw the scores go up! He got a 9/10 on the last wave, which is really rare and meant he had won! The smile on his face spoke volumes and his joy was contagious.” 

Cliff said: “I’ve had immense support from family and friends and this has had a positive effect on my mental health. In the future I’d like to do para surfing competitions abroad, hopefully in America or China.” 

There are more than 32,000 stroke survivors in Devon, making the county one of the top three highest areas in the UK for stroke prevalence - the proportion of the population living with the condition.  Cliff’s determination was praised by Jacqui Cuthbert, South West associate director for the Stroke Association.

Jacqui said: “Cliff’s achievements are truly inspirational and reflect the determination stroke survivors have to overcome their disabilities and live the best life they can.

“We’re delighted that our life after stroke support service in Devon, which helps people regain confidence and independence, was able to help him back onto the waves.”

The Stroke Association’s support in Devon is currently funded by donations and if anyone would like to support its work in the county they can do so at https://stroke.org.uk/devon