Press release -
Oldham stroke survivor and volunteer receives regional recognition
A stroke survivor from Oldham has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke
Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of his courage and support
for other stroke survivors.
Kelvin Knowles, 52, had a stroke aged just 45 while working on an oil rig in the North Sea. The stroke left him with severe aphasia, which means he had very little speech, and he was unable to write or communicate. He was also left with partial paralysis and epilepsy. However, with encouragement from his wife Carole, and two sons, Kelvin has worked hard to overcome his difficulties and now volunteers for the Stroke Association, helping support others who are coming to terms with a life after stroke.
Kelvin received his Highly Commended certificate from Dr Jordi Morrell, Stroke Consultant at Central Manchester Foundation Trust, and Sale Sharks rugby stars, Mark Cueto and Danny Cipriani, at a celebratory event at the AJ Bell Stadium, Salford on Tuesday 28 October.
Kelvin’s wife Carole nominated him for the award. She said: “I met with carers recently at the Stroke Association service in Oldham where Kelvin volunteers. They told me what a special and valued volunteer he is. One carer described how Kelvin had spent every Thursday afternoon for the past twelve months with her husband who had aphasia, helping him to say a few words. She was overwhelmed with emotion when he called her name for the first time in two years. Nothing is ever too much for Kelvin. He goes out of his way to support stroke survivors and their families, often forgetting his own needs and disabilities.”
Chris Larkin, Regional Head of Operations for the Stroke Association in the North West, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the North West were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event highlights the tremendous courage people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same. If you would like to nominate someone for their recovery or for doing something incredible to raise vital funds for people recovering from stroke, please nominate them for next year’s awards.”
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. Next year’s nominations open on 5 November 2014. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LifeAfterStrokeAwards
For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
