Duke praises Paignton stroke volunteers to mark national Thank You Day

A Paignton stroke survivor and his partner who are both dedicated Stroke Association volunteers have received a special Volunteers Week thanks for their tireless work.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, who is President of the charity, has also sent a message to them and to all volunteers to mark ‘Thank You Day’ on Sunday 5 June.

Former funeral director Martin Otter was at home with his partner Rich Sanders one evening in March 2018 when he suddenly collapsed after having a stroke.

It left initially him unable to swallow, talk and paralysed down the right side of his body. Doctors warned that he may not survive, and if he did it was uncertain what his quality of life would be like.

Martin spent four days in Torbay Hospital, and two and a half weeks in Newton Abbot Hospital recovering from his stroke which has left him with on-going disabilities including right side mobility disabilities and communication difficulties.

Martin, now 59, says volunteering has given him a real sense of purpose as he rebuilds his life after his stroke – and the support from his partner Rich, a 56-year-old celebrant minister, has been essential.

Pre-pandemic Martin used to travel to the Stroke Association’s offices in Exeter to meet new volunteers and help prepare them for their roles.

Covid-19 meant this couldn’t happen but Martin and Rich have been a “double act”, giving online presentations on the effects of a stroke both from the perspective of both the survivor and the carer.

They have advised the NHS Peninsula Medical Group and Torbay Carers Service on stroke awareness for their clients.

Martin said: “We tend to work as a team, stroke survivor and carer. It’s better that way because it gives both points of view. That’s one of the things that we point out.

“It’s very important because when you come out of the hospital it seemed to be all about me and what I need, instead of how Rich helps me and how it affects his life. It needs to be about the carers as well. Without Rich I probably wouldn’t be here.

“I’ve just been diagnosed with osteoporosis so I now use an electric wheelchair. Although I can still drive I can’t walk. Richard goes with me. He gives me my independence.”

Martin helps out at a local stroke group and has spoken about stroke on local radio during the Ageing Well Torbay festival.

“Talking about my experiences and passing on my story gives me a sense of purpose and hopefully others get something out of it,” he said

Rich added: “Martin had a demanding job but after stroke that can all disappear. Volunteering gave him a sense of responsibility and the ability to make a difference to people’s lives in the community. Feeling you can make a difference even post stroke is really important.”

This Thank You Day and National Volunteers Week, the Stroke Association and their President, The Duke of Kent, are thanking amazing volunteers like Martin and Rich who have given everything to help others.

The annual event is extra special this year, as it coincides with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend where the nation will stop to celebrate 70 years of service by The Queen.

Paying tribute to the charity’s volunteers and supporters, The Duke of Kent said:

“On this Thank You Day, it is an honour to be able to say a huge thank you to every one of the fantastic volunteers at the Stroke Association.

“This special weekend, as we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, it is fitting to also take time to recognise the service of the amazing volunteers who are supporting stroke survivors and their families every day as they rebuild their lives after stroke.

“We are inspired by your dedication, commitment and care towards others, particularly those volunteers who have been so badly affected by stroke themselves.

“My best wishes and thanks to you all.”

For more information about volunteering opportunities at the Stroke Association, please visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering