​Stroke survivor discovers new talent for poetry after stroke

A woman from Chesterfield has discovered a new talent for writing poetry, after surviving a stroke earlier this year.

Sales administrator, Rachel Preston, 49 had a stroke in May 2015, when she spent six days at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Although Rachel’s mobility is almost fully recovered, the stroke has left her with fatigue, memory issues and some communication problems.

While being supported by the Stroke Association during her recovery, coordinator Sophie Dawson signed Rachel up to the charity’s self-management website, My Stroke Guide, which provides support for stroke survivors throughout their recovery.

Rachel said: “I was browsing the website and came across a poetry page on the hobbies section. I read poems by another stroke survivor and his words were so inspiring and moving, something snapped inside me and I started to write. The words just fell onto the page; I wrote about the day I had my stroke and it rhymed. This might not seem unusual, however I’m a keen card maker and over the past five years I’ve made between 550-600 cards. Not one verse in the cards has ever come from me, because I couldn't make two lines rhyme, let alone a whole poem!

“I have now written around 25 poems, with several telling the story of my stroke right through to my first day at home. Most of the poems relate to my stroke and my journey of recovery and have been a fundamental part of my progress.

Now, a collection of Rachel’s poetry will be displayed at the Stroke Association’s travelling art exhibition, at Leabrooks Gallery, Somercotes, Alfreton until Friday 31 July. The exhibition will showcase the art and creative work of stroke survivors from across the East Midlands, which have been created individually and by people who attend the Stroke Association voluntary art groups.

Rachel added: “Throughout all of this, I have had overwhelming support from my fiancé, health professionals, work colleagues, friends and family. The past few months have been the most extraordinary experience of my life; I have a lot to be thankful for. I no longer take things for granted and my perspective of life has certainly changed. I have also been given a gift to share with others and it’s an honour to have my poetry displayed for people to enjoy.”

Sophie Dawson from the Stroke Association, said: “We see the overwhelming courage and determination many stroke survivors show in coping with the loss of many things we take for granted, and Rachel has used poetry to overcome the challenges she has faced after her stroke. We’d love for people from the area to come along and enjoy Rachel’s poems at the exhibition; they give a fascinating insight into how it feels to have a stroke.”

The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading stroke charity which campaigns to improve stroke care; supports people to make the best recovery they can; and funds ground-breaking research to change the lives of people affected by stroke. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.