​Southsea stroke survivor shares their first glimmer of hope

Andy Cloud from Southsea is supporting the Stroke Association’s ‘Hope After Stroke’ Christmas appeal, after learning how to walk again after a life changing stroke.

Andy Cloud, 61, from Southsea, had stroke in January 2018. Andy woke up one morning unable to speak, move the right side of his body and his face had dropped on one side. Andy’s wife Janice realised he was having a stroke, and quickly dialled 999 for help.

Andy spent four weeks in hospital recovering, and was left unable to walk, and had difficulties swallowing and talking.

Janice said: “Andy’s main problems are around communication, concentration and fatigue. After his stroke he had forgot how to read and write, and had no conception of numbers, times or dates.

“Luckily I am a trained nurse, I have just retired so I’ve been able to be by Andy’s side at every step of his journey. Andy is able to walk now; his mobility is affected, he has lost strength and tires easily, but can walk and uses an exercise bike to keep fit. I’m so impressed by Andy’s spirit of determination, his patience, courage and hard work. Throughout Andy’s recovery we had glimmers of hope along the way, which gave him the motivation he needed to push through. Like, being supported to stand, to sit outside for short periods and take his first sips of fluid. These were small steps forward every day, with the support of the hospital teams, and his own spirit of determination.

“We are rebuilding our life, one that is different to how we imagined but in many ways brighter. We feel the love we have for each other more deeply now and know how scary it was to think we may lose each other. Life is good and we intend to make the most of every day. We have two wonderful children and lots of friends and family who have helped us get through the scary times and who continue to be there for us.

“We will be forever grateful for the wonderful care and support that Andy has received at hospital, but also from the Stroke Association. When you’re suddenly faced with something as terrifying as a stroke, having someone on a personal level tell you everything will be OK makes such a difference.”

Andy is asking people to make a donation to the Stroke Association’s work supporting survivors and their families, as they rebuild their lives this Christmas.

Esme Mutter, Head of Stroke Support at the Stroke Association said: “When someone’s life has been shattered by stroke, they may feel all hope is gone. But we also know that stroke survivors cling onto even the smallest glimmer of hope. This is what powers them on to achieve what many thought would be impossible. I’ve heard so many stories of remarkable people making recoveries even 20 years after their stroke.”

The charity estimates that there are 12,633people living with the effects of stroke in Hampshire,while around 100,000people have a stroke in the UK every year.

“This pandemic has had a serious impact on our ability to raise funds through our usual community events and activities. Many people in our support services have praised the support they received from the Stroke Association, to build on that first glimmer of hope so that they could rebuild their lives after stroke. Hope might be found in a call to our Helpline; through the friendship and support of our online community; or the ongoing support of our Stroke Association Support Coordinators. Rebuilding lives is impossible without hope. And that’s why we’re asking everyone in Southsea to donate to the Stroke Association and help give someone the gift of hope this Christmas.”

To donate or for more information about stroke and the vital role that hope plays in stroke recovery and rebuilding lives, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/hope