Duke praises Portishead stroke volunteer to mark national Thank You Day

A Portishead stroke survivor who has been a dedicated Stroke Association volunteer has received a special Volunteers Week thanks for her tireless work.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, who is President of the charity, has also sent a message to her and to all volunteers to mark national ‘Thank You Day’ which is on Sunday 5 June.

Lori Rowsell’s life changed when she had a stroke while on holiday with husband Andy in Devon in July 2011.

“It took a few days before a severe stroke was diagnosed,” said Lori who was then aged 48. “I was on my own when they told me and when Andy arrived for visiting hours I sobbed for so long it took him ages to discover what it was they’d told me. I was unable to speak properly, had no idea of who I was, where I was, or indeed anything.

“Andy brought me in a Sudoku book to pass the hours and I didn’t understand it or numbers. Not easy for an accountant to take on board. I cried some more.

“In desperate need of the beds, they sent me home after ten days. And then the nightmare began. I was scared, lonely, depressed, and emotional and didn’t know what to do. Nor did my family, my husband and two beautiful children. And then I met the Stroke Association and my life changed!

“Through sheer determination I learnt to speak again, walk a decent distance, learnt to use a computer, learnt to speak to others again. I managed, with the help of Andy, to manage my panics and anxiety, learnt when not to go into supermarkets or how to walk out of them when I was scared. I learnt to live again. It’s not easy, the panic and anxiety is always there.

“I went along to the Nailsea Stroke Survivors Club Stroke Club. Within weeks I was the secretary and not long after that found myself coming home as the chairman of the group. I’ve never learnt how not to put my hand up when a plea for help goes out!

“I won’t pretend it’s easy and whilst there’s loads of fun there are without doubt stressful moments. Prior to my stroke I worked as a senior manager for an insurance company in Internal Audit and I’ve used the same techniques to manage the stroke club as I did before. It’s amazing how many things I thought I’d forgot are still there.”

Like all social groups, the stroke club had to close during the pandemic but is now meeting again at Nailsea Methodist Church from 10am to midday on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

“We have about 25 members and at least six volunteers come along including some who are themselves stroke survivors. We do exercises, activities such as games, quizzes, chat groups, planting bulbs, painting, and bingo, plus trips and Christmas parties.

“Working with the Stroke Association as a volunteer has not only given me a purpose and a sense of self-worth it has hopefully made a valuable difference to the lives of other stroke survivors.”

This Thank You Day and National Volunteers Week, the Stroke Association and their President, The Duke of Kent, are thanking amazing volunteers like Lori who have given everything to help others.

The annual event is extra special this year, as it coincides with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend where the nation will stop to celebrate 70 years of service by The Queen.

Paying tribute to the charity’s volunteers and supporters, The Duke of Kent said:

“On this Thank You Day, it is an honour to be able to say a huge thank you to every one of the fantastic volunteers at the Stroke Association.

“This special weekend, as we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, it is fitting to also take time to recognise the service of the amazing volunteers who are supporting stroke survivors and their families every day as they rebuild their lives after stroke.

“We are inspired by your dedication, commitment and care towards others, particularly those volunteers who have been so badly affected by stroke themselves.

“My best wishes and thanks to you all.”

For more information about volunteering opportunities at the Stroke Association, please visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering