Southampton stroke survivor receives regional recognition

A stroke survivor from Southampton has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association in recognition of his dedication, commitment and compassion to volunteering.

Martin Reece, 70, had a stroke in 2012 which left him with problems with his mobility and a communication difficulty called aphasia.

Martin said: “After my stroke I turned to the Stroke Association for support. I started to attend the Totton Stroke Support Group and found it incredibly useful to meet other stroke survivors and have the support from the charity. I now volunteer for the charity in Southampton. I wanted to do something to thank the charity for the support they have given to me, and to also give something back to others who are faced by stroke. I volunteer at the Stroke Unit in Southampton General Hospital and meet stroke survivors and their loved ones. I want to let stroke survivors know that having a stroke isn’t the end of your life; there is life after stroke.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Award was presented to Martin at a ceremony at the Hilton hotel in Bournemouth on 17 January 2019.

Martin was nominated for the Volunteering Award by Lydia Lockhart, Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association. Lydia said: “Martin has come such a long way since his stroke and completely grasped life again. He is so passionate about issues affecting stroke survivors and has put so much in to helping others with their recovery. Everyone that has worked with Martin comments on how dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate he is – we can’t quite imagine the stroke world without him.”

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.

To find out more about the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA.