Victoria Parker

I was an active 18 year old A Level student when I had my stroke whilst on holiday in Spain four years ago. I felt weak, defeated, and alone and confused. It became so much of an effort to even stand and my balance wasn’t good at all.

The biggest obstacle for me was being able to be by myself and wash in privacy. For weeks my mum and dad were helping me wash and undress - it was humiliating and frustrating. I used to love long baths and hot showers but I used to dread even the thought of it after my stroke.

With the help and support from friends and family, I managed to have a bath and wash my own hair for the first time in months without feeling scared I might fall over or have to call in someone in to help me. I felt elated at being able to do this simple everyday task I’d taken for granted.

It can seem never ending and so frustrating but if you wait it out, stick to small goals at a time and accept the help people offer around you, in time it will all pay off. It did wonders for my confidence and self esteem and helped spur me on to other challenges.

I have since started working in the Care sector and have completed a skydive to raise awareness of strokes in younger people. The sky’s the limit!

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