Stroke’s hidden impact mars Christmas for Surrey stroke survivor Kieran

A Sunbury stroke survivor has told how the hidden effects of a stroke can take away the magic of Christmas.

Kieran Andrew, 39, says people need to understand that the impact of noisy places and extreme fatigue which can be challenging for stroke survivors. He’s even had to buy ear defenders to muffle the noise of his young son crying.

Kieran is sharing his story to raise awareness and back a Christmas fundraising campaign for the Stroke Association, which is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families.

Before his stroke, in March 2021, Kieran led a busy and active life. Kieran said: “I used to play football, golf, go to the pub with friends and family, and loved travelling.

“The stroke affected my speech, reading, short-term memory, problem solving, and communication. I didn’t enjoy socialising anymore. It impacted not just me, but my whole family.

“Christmas used to be my favourite time of year, but now it can be overwhelming due to the noise, the crowds, and trying to keep up with conversations. I’ve missed weddings and family events because my brain just couldn’t handle it.

“In the build-up to Christmas, I struggled being around lots of people because of all the noise. It was difficult for me to process information and understand what they’re saying. I would then stutter and struggle to find the right words to say. It feels like sensory overload.

“I ended up spending my time going out for a walk or out of the room every half an hour just to get some peace. It has improved now but I struggled for the first two or three years. Now, I do actually look forward to Christmas, but I have had to overcome the anxieties which come with it.

“Christmas Day can be very long with lots of travel and seeing family, especially with a child. As the day goes on, I also start to struggle with fatigue. People use the word fatigue as if it’s just tiredness but it’s much more than that - it’s debilitating exhaustion. It’s not something that can be resolved in ten minutes – or even if you sit down for ten hours. It’s always there. You have to plan your day, so you don’t overdo things.”

Kieran’s wife Kelly gave birth to their son Alife last July and, whilst he says that’s a blessing, it also comes with challenges.

Kieran added: “He’s a very good boy but, as the day progresses, he gets tired and starts crying. I struggle with that, and I’ve had to buy ear defenders so I can concentrate.”

Kieran was supported by the Stroke Association’s Surrey stroke support service and found strength in connecting with other stroke survivors through the charity’s online groups.

The Stroke Association became a vital lifeline. Kieran said: “They gave me factsheets that helped me understand what had happened, how to reduce my risk of another stroke, and they’d call regularly to check in. My coordinator would even speak to my GP for me. That support made such a difference.”

After three years of determination and rehabilitation, Kieran decided to turn his experience into something positive. Kieran said: “I wanted to work again to prove to myself I could do it. The best way was to work for the Stroke Association as a stroke support coordinator, helping other stroke survivors like me. It was the best decision I ever made.

“Stroke survivors can improve. We can get back to doing the things we love. You never think something like a stroke could happen to you, but if it does - keep going. Recovery isn’t easy, but it’s possible.”

The Stroke has released a short film, ‘Still Christmas’

This features home videos and photos shared by stroke survivors and their families, taken at Christmas time after their stroke. The film depicts the reality of facing Christmas after the impact of a stroke and how different this time of year can be for survivors and their families. It goes live on 19 November. 

Nick O’Donohue, the Stroke Association’s associate director for the South East, said: “For another 85,000 people in the UK, this year will be their first Christmas after a stroke, and those things we all take for granted are no longer the same. A stroke can have physical and cognitive impacts, as well as emotional trauma, with survivors facing a long journey to relearn lost skills and adapt to new circumstances. 

“We’re encouraging everyone to give the gift of stroke support this Christmas, whether as a donation, volunteering your time or fundraising, so that we can help more survivors and their loved ones find their strength and their way back to life after a stroke.” 

Give the gift of stroke support this Christmas – visit stroke.org.uk/stillchristmas