Local stroke survivor urges support for charity who helped his recovery

Press release -

Local stroke survivor urges support for charity who helped his recovery

Jason Hanrahan, a stroke survivor from Shirebrook, is supporting the Stroke Association’s ‘I am more than my stroke’ Christmas appeal after the charity helped him return to his passion for songwriting and creating music.


Jason, 22, who had a Haemorrhagic Stroke in 2013 when he was just 17, was left with memory loss, severe depression and anxiety. Jason was also treated for anorexia as he was unable to keep any food down and had to spend the next three months bedridden after being discharged from Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.


Jason said: “I know first-hand that stroke can turn your life upside down in an instant and change it forever. My stroke left me with violent headaches and depression, which was devastating. I would just lash out at people for no reason and I remember being so angry and thinking: ‘Why did it have to happen to me, what happens now?’ But despite what I’ve been through, the support I received from the Stroke Association made me feel that I am more than my stroke, I’m still me and I can still live my life.”

“After my stroke I wanted to ignore it and shut everyone out. I soon realised though that it starts with me, you have to talk about it or you will never be happy. The Stroke Association gave me the opportunity to volunteer at a music studio which was perfect as I have always written and produced my own music. This helped me regain my independence and take control of my life again, I still have bad days but I’m getting myself back to where I was.”

There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK 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. The ‘I am more than my stroke’ Christmas appeal is seeking to raise money for the Stroke Association so that they can continue to help more stroke survivors with their recovery.

Sara Betsworth, Head of Stroke Support for the Stroke Association 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 which Jason has experienced. However, we have seen that with the right support many people can be helped to live fulfilling lives following their stroke.

“As the UK’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 Jason.”

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 

Topics

  • A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. 
  • Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Press Officer National press and Stroke Association research and policy communications 07904 289900
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Scotland and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association

    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK