Local resident recovering from a stroke takes on walking challenge to raise funds for stroke charity

Stuart Geekes, 63, from Dunbar, is embarking on a five-mile walk as part of the ‘Edinburgh Kiltwalk’ on Sunday 18 September following a severe stroke only a year ago.

The stroke happened in an instant. one moment Stuart was busy working away for a multinational company, only to find himself a couple of hours later unable to speak. Jo, Stuart’s wife, thought it was a stroke, so called the emergency services. Stuart was unaware of the fact he was having a stroke and describes feeling confused, overwhelmed and lost.

Fortunately, Stuart arrived within the timeframe to receive the clotbusting drug ‘thrombolysis’. At first nodding was Stuart’s only form of communication, and for the first few days, he was unable to see Jo, because she had been contact traced for coronavirus. Jo supported Stuart with his communication and within two weeks Stuart was swallowing, eating and saying a few words.

“Despite Stuart’s walking being unaffected, he spent many months getting some movement back in his arm, and the sheer concentration required to regain his speech, alongside post-stroke fatigue, has been a huge battle.”

When Stuart found out about the kiltwalk, he decided it would be good for him to take on a challenge, and prove to himself and others how there can be life after stroke again – that recovery is possible. Jo encouraged him to take part and raising funds for the Stroke Association seemed the right thing to do.

Jo says:

“Although Stuart sometimes believes he has a long way to go with his recovery, he has made huge strides over the last year. Five miles is a long trek, but we both believe it is possible and we’ll be striving to meet this target.

“I am raising funds for the Stroke Association, because I believe there should be more awareness of stroke. We also want to raise funds to support the provision of stroke support and services to help people make a recovery.

Andrea Watt, Relationship Fundraiser in Scotland said:

“Stuart’s effort in going ahead with this challenge, is absolutely fantastic. Five miles is no mean feat and we wish him and his wife Jo, all the very best with it.”

“Funds raised for the charity, will help to raise awareness of stroke, fund research into preventing and treating stroke and provide support to help people rebuild their life again.

“I’d like to wish Stuart and Jo and those walking with him, all the very best and hope it is an enjoyable challenge, despite being a tough one.

To sponsor Stuart and Jo, please go to their fundraising page here: https://edinburgh.thekiltwalk.co.uk/fundraising/EdinburghKiltwalk2022-JoGeekie