Alex's stroke story

60% of the UK population wrongly believe that strokes don't happen to young people. In fact, 1 in 4 strokes happen to people of working age.

Alex was just 36 when a stroke left him with severe physical disabilities as well as having a huge impact on his emotional and mental health. He had two very young children at the time and a busy job. Being there for his family, and being able to do his job, changed overnight.

“After my stroke, I couldn’t feel my right side for six weeks. I couldn’t walk or sit upright for eight weeks until the intense physio started. I was also extremely emotional in the first six months.

"Stroke changed my work life and my family life. I can’t do a fast-paced role or help as much around the house. I can’t go back to some of the hobbies I had. Our family has had to adapt."

"The visits from the Stroke Association were invaluable; at times they felt like therapy, other times an informative lesson or a coaching session. It was whatever I needed. The Stroke Association supported my wife, too; they gave her someone to talk to.”

The practical and emotional support from the Stroke Association continues to help Alex and his family to rebuild their lives after stroke.

Alex and his wife, Adebisi, are now paying it forward by running a Stroke Association Support Group in Bedford to support people after they've had a stroke.

As Alex and his family found out, the effects of a stroke are life-changing. Two-thirds of people who survive a stroke find themselves living with a disability. 37% of working-age stroke survivors give up work following their stroke.

We need your help to reach more stroke survivors who need us, like Alex and his family. Please donate today.