Abergavenny stroke survivor says, ‘I am more than my stroke’.

54-year-old Alasdair Kirkpatrick from Llanfoist Wharf was fit and healthy and enjoyed rowing, before a stroke in 2016 meant he was unable to walk.

Alasdair said:

“On the day of my stroke, I had been out rowing when I began to feel unwell. Luckily my wife spotted the symptoms immediately and called an ambulance.

“I was in hospital for more than 20 weeks. Part of my skull had to be removed and kept alive in my stomach, while doctors waited for the swelling in my brain to go down.

“I was left without the use of the left side of my body, meaning my whole home had to be adapted.”

There are around 7,400 strokes in Wales each year. Stroke continues to be a leading cause of disability and over 80 per cent of stroke survivors require help with daily living such as walking, washing, eating and communicating.

After leaving hospital, Alasdair was determined to regain his independence. Only a year later he took on a 110-mile tandem bike ride from Cardiff to Tenby in support of the Stroke Association.

Along with his team mates at Monmouth rowing club Alasdair has since raised more than £10,000 for the charity.

Alasdair added:

“I intend to do more fundraising activity in 2019, but first my aim is to be able to walk without a stick by Christmas.

“Getting mobile again after a stroke is frustrating. But they didn’t expect me to make it, and said just standing would be a huge challenge. What I know now is that you can’t let a stroke stop you from living your life.”

Carol Bott, Director of the Stroke Association in Wales, said:

“For many stroke survivors, rebuilding their lives after stroke is a long and challenging process. Stroke not only presents physical challenges, but the way it suddenly changes people’s lives and their plans for their future can also cause feelings of depression, anxiety and despair. However, we have seen that with the right support many people can be helped to live fulfilling lives following their stroke.

“As Wales’s only charity dedicated to supporting those affected by stroke, we help to address the emotional, practical and physical needs of stroke survivors and their families so they can achieve the best possible quality of life. However, we aren’t yet able to reach everyone who needs our help and that’s why our Christmas Appeal, ‘I am more than my stroke’ is raising essential funds so that we can be there for more people like Alasdair.”

To find out more about the help and support the Stroke Association offers and to make a donation to its Christmas Appeal visit stroke.org.uk/iammore.