Dover resident Peter Groombridge scoops national award for courage

Thursday 25 June 2015

Dover resident Peter Groombridge scoops national award for courage

Local stroke survivor Peter Groombridge from Dover has been presented with an Adult Courage Award sponsored by Vision Express, at a national award ceremony held in London. Peter received his award from Presenter and Journalist Anna Richardson.

Peter was given the award at the Life after Stroke Awards sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation in recognition of the work he does for stroke survivors across East Kent. Peter speaks up for fellow stroke survivors as a Stroke Ambassador, helps with fundraising, works with stroke survivors with aphasia (a condition affecting a person’s ability to speak) and goes into hospitals to meet new stroke survivors.

In April 2007 Peter was working as an engineer when he had to pull over to the roadside whilst driving as he suddenly didn’t feel very well. He called his wife, but the words came out wrong. His wife immediately called for an ambulance. Peter’s stroke meant he was in hospital for over three months, where he needed intensive rehabilitation. Eight years after his stroke, Peter is now using his experience to help other stroke survivors in their recovery.

Tara Galloway, Area Manager for the Stroke Association, who nominated Peter for the awards said: “I have never met anyone with as much relentless determination as Peter. He has a real point to make about stroke and fights to educate people about stroke every day. He will take on any challenge and will never give up.He’s an enthusiastic member of every stroke club in East Kent and recently launched a support group for stroke survivors and their families in Dover.”

Peter, who attended the awards with his son and his daughter-in -law, said: “People have told me why I have got the award, but to me helping stroke survivors is something that I enjoy and like to do. It’s good for people who have recently had a stroke to see what they can still do and I’m glad I can give something back.”

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association said: “Since his stroke, Peter has dedicated himself to living life to the fullest and helping others. His strength of character and generosity of spirit is an example to us all. He embodies everything that the Life After Stroke Awards are about and it’s a real privilege to be able to give him this award.”

Andy Portsmouth, Marketing Directorof Vision Express said “Up to 60% of stroke survivors experience visual problems, yet one in three stroke survivors are not warned that sight loss could be an issue, or that treatment and support is available. We’re proud to be able to sponsor this award and are humbled by Peter’s recovery after his stroke.In addition to this award we work with the Stroke Association to host free in-store blood pressure checks, where 1 in 5 participants were referred to their GP for further assessment.”

To find out more about the Life after Stroke Awards please visit www.stroke.org.uk/lasa

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For further information: please contact Cheryl Randeria, the Stroke Association, on 07810 697957 or email Cheryl.randeria@stroke.org.uk