Southsea man learns how to walk again after suffering life-changing stroke

Andy Cloud, 61, had a stroke in January 2018 and spent four weeks in hospital recovering after he was also left struggling to talk and swallow.

Andy’s wife Janice realised he was having a stroke and quickly dialled 999 for help after he woke up one morning unable to speak and move the right side of his body.

The Southsea man’s face had also dropped on one side.

Janice said: ‘Andy’s main problems are around communication, concentration and fatigue. After his stroke he forgot how to read and write and had no conception of numbers, times or dates.

‘Luckily I am a trained nurse, I have just retired so I’ve been able to be by Andy’s side at every step of his journey. Andy is able to walk now; his mobility is affected, he has lost strength and tires easily, but can walk and uses an exercise bike to keep fit.

‘I’m so impressed by Andy’s spirit of determination, his patience, courage and hard work. Throughout Andy’s recovery we had glimmers of hope along the way, which gave him the motivation he needed to push through.

‘He was supported to stand, sit outside for short periods and take his first sips of fluid. These were small steps forward every day, with the support of the hospital teams, and his own spirit of determination.’

Andy and Janice are supporting the Stroke Association’s ‘Hope After Stroke’ Christmas appeal following the charity’s efforts to get Andy back on his feet.

‘We will be forever grateful for the wonderful care and support that Andy has received at hospital, but also from the Stroke Association,’ Janice said.

‘When you’re suddenly faced with something as terrifying as a stroke, having someone on a personal level tell you everything will be ok makes such a difference.’

Janice said the stroke has made them both even closer. ‘We are rebuilding our life, one that is different to how we imagined but in many ways brighter,’ she said.

‘We feel the love we have for each other more deeply now and know how scary it was to think we may lose each other.

‘Life is good and we intend to make the most of every day. We have two wonderful children and lots of friends and family who have helped us get through the scary times and who continue to be there for us.’

Esme Mutter, head of stroke support at the Stroke Association said: ‘When someone’s life has been shattered by stroke, they may feel all hope is gone.

‘But we also know that stroke survivors cling onto even the smallest glimmer of hope. This is what powers them on to achieve what many thought would be impossible. I’ve heard so many stories of remarkable people making recoveries even 20 years after their stroke.’

The charity estimates that there are 12,633 people living with the effects of stroke in Hampshire, while around 100,000 people have a stroke in the UK every year.

‘This pandemic has had a serious impact on our ability to raise funds through our usual community events and activities,’ Ms Mutter added.

‘Rebuilding lives is impossible without hope. And that’s why we’re asking everyone in Southsea to donate to the Stroke Association and help give someone the gift of hope this Christmas.’

To donate go to www.stroke.org.uk/hope

SEE ALSO: Donations flood in for Christmas appeal

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