Adult Courage Award (65 years and over)

Rebuilding a life after stroke requires remarkable courage. This award is for someone who has demonstrated inspirational courage in overcoming personal, physical, emotional or communication problems after the devastating effects of their stroke.

Picture: Winner Derek Short with award presenter Bruce Forsyth 

Derek had a stroke at the age of 56 in 1999. He had been in a bicycle shop when his speech became slurred. People thought he was drunk but unbeknown to Derek and everyone else he was experiencing the signs of a stroke.

Derek had both physical and emotional effects from the stroke. He had great difficulty communicating through speech and he also experienced depression. From serious reflection on his life Derek went from asking ‘why did I have a stroke?’ to ‘why did I survive?’. He soon realised that he was a very lucky person and decided to live his life like he used to and enjoy every moment.

Derek started to attend the Cookstown Conversation Group run by The Stroke Association and worked tirelessly to get the use of his right hand back by constantly squeezing a ball. Derek now leads a very active life and does not let having a stroke stop him from doing anything he puts his mind to. Derek enjoys his hobbies of walking, mountaineering and keeping fit.

Derek works tirelessly to help others. In 2008 he helped to raise over £3,000 for The Stroke Association. He is also the Chairman of a hostel for the homeless and two years ago, Derek and his wife Jean spent time in Jamaica to help build a school and houses for street children.

Derek has rebuilt his life, increased his confidence and has returned to the activities he loves most. He also continues to contribute and improve his community. Derek’s motto is that he didn’t have a stroke but a ‘stroke of luck’. Derek turns any negative into a positive and does that every day of his life.

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