​Leeds stroke survivor urges support for charity who helped her recovery

Bridie Kirsopp, a stroke survivor from Leeds is supporting the Stroke Association’s ‘I am more than my stroke’ Christmas appeal, after regaining her independence to start her own successful fashion and lifestyle blog.

Bridie, 25, had a stroke during Christmas 2010 when she woke one morning with an excruciating headache at the back of her skull. This continued for about five days without her seeking medical attention during the busy season, but she grew visibly weaker and sleepier, unable to focus on anything and remained homebound.

Her family called out a doctor on 27 December, and she was misdiagnosed with a migraine. Only the next day the left side of her body became numb and weakened, the vision in her left eye was blurry, she was dizzy, off balance and very unaware of her surroundings.

She said: “As an uninformed teenager who didn’t think a stroke was possible in people of my age, I didn’t think this was what was happening at the time, although the thought did cross my mind. We never assumed this was a stroke until we were told, and it was a real shock.”

Over the past six years Bridie has had uncountable medical appointments, to help improve the effects of her stroke. Bridie has been left with Central Pain Syndrome, fatigue and depression.

Bridie said: “It’s unbearably excruciating pain. My chronic pain and mental health has been the nightmarish pinpoint of my life since around February 2011. In terms of general help and support, my close family are always on hand, to organise appointments I struggle with and to encourage and comfort me in times of need.”

“As a whole, I’m proud of myself for battling through the hurdles and the breaking points to get to the stage I’m at now. As a teenager whose life hadn’t really begun yet, it was really tough to lose my independence and to be prevented from achieving my dreams but despite that, I have still managed to find strength and determination in myself that I never knew I had.

“I started my own blog Bridie Mia (www.bridiemia.com) about the personal interests in my life and have been given so many opportunities; from collaborating with brands, reviewing products, attending events and being invited to exclusive photoshoots.

“I’ve even been able to delve into freelance writing using my experience and my long term condition to speak as an advocate for chronic pain and disability. It has definitely contributed towards me becoming more open, honest, and direct in the way I speak about my stroke and chronic pain. Most recognisably turning a negative situation into a positive; realising how much the impact of a life changing illness makes you become a stronger, better, wiser individual. I want to urge people to have the mindset that you can still enjoy life and achieve the things you want to, despite the limitations you may have.

“I know first-hand that stroke can turn your life upside down in an instant and change it forever. But despite what I’ve been through, I know I am more than my stroke, I’m still me and I can still live my life.

There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year. Stroke continues to be a leading cause of disability and over 80 per cent of stroke survivors require help with daily living such as walking, washing, eating and communicating. The ‘I am more than my stroke’ Christmas appeal is seeking to raise money for the Stroke Association so that they can continue to help more stroke survivors with their recovery.

Chris Larkin, Regional Director at the Stroke Association, said: “For many stroke survivors, rebuilding their lives after stroke is a long and challenging process. Stroke not only presents physical challenges, but the way it suddenly changes people’s lives and their plans for their future can also cause feelings of depression, anxiety and despair. However, we have seen that with the right support many people can be helped to live fulfilling lives following their stroke.

“As the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting those affected by stroke, we help to address the emotional, practical and physical needs of stroke survivors and their families so they can achieve the best possible quality of life. However, we aren’t yet able to reach everyone who needs our help and that’s why our Christmas Appeal, ‘I am more than my stroke’ is raising essential funds so that we can be there for more people like Bridie.”

To find out more about the help and support the Stroke Association offers and to make a donation to its Christmas Appeal visit stroke.org.uk/iammore.