A BELFAST man has told of "hope is everything after a stroke" as he spoke about the challenges he faced after suffering an attack last year.
Jim McDowell (64) described how "people might look at me now and think there’s nothing wrong with me, but I know I’m not the same".
He is speaking out after new research reveals a third of survivors under the age of 60 lost their job after their stroke, while one in 10 said it caused their relationship to end.
The findings from the Stroke Association also show six per cent even lost their home, while over half of stroke survivors say they have never emotionally recovered.
Younger survivors are more severely impacted with research showing six in 10 of those under 50 saying it had a devastating emotional impact.
The survey of 3,500 survivors is part of a renewed call by the Stroke Association for vital funds to help the charity give more people hope and help them to rebuild their lives.
The charity is launching its 'Hope After Stroke' appeal in a bid to talk about survivors moments of hope and how it is essential to recovery.
The charity helps people to find the hope they need to rebuild their lives through specialist services, including a Helpline, peer support service, support groups and support coordinators.
Mr McDowell had a stroke in January 2020 at home alone watching football, but did not seek medical attention until the following day. He then struggled to access the rehabilitation services he needed due to the pandemic.
"That day in January 2020 I believe my body spoke to me and told me to slow down," he said.
"People might look at me now and think there’s nothing wrong with me but I know I’m not the same. My memory’s not as good and my balance isn’t great as I’ve got weakness on my left side.
"I’m conscious there’s something wrong with my hand now as some times, when I’m tired or not concentrating, whatever I’m holding can just fall from my grasp.
"But I know I’ve recovered well and there’s so many people worse off. The Stroke Association has been there for me and my family.
"They’ve helped and supported me to understand what’s happening with me and I know I’m not in this alone.
"Hope is everything after a stroke.
"I needed to know I would recover and even though I’m still recovering, I’m improving day by day."
Juliet Bouverie from the Stroke Association said: "As the research makes clear, finding hope is a crucial part of the recovery process. Without it, recovery can seem impossible.
"At the Stroke Association, we support and help people to find this hope, and rebuild their lives."
