HOW was anyone to know that when we went to bed that night, that by morning the lives of my family would soon change forever?

I woke at about 3am to go to the loo. I walked to the toilet and then collapsed. I tried to call my wife, but I was speaking rubbish.

I had had a stroke.

A quick response from the ambulance crew and a stroke doctor waiting at RBH, a stay in hospital, and eventually release to recover at home.

With the help of my family and the various doctors, physiotherapists, and other support, I slowly got my life back.

I needed to give something back so I volunteered for the Stroke Association and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where I talk to stroke patients and their relatives. I try to give them hope!. I have been with both for over two years.

Recently I volunteered with the Christchurch Angels, and have started visiting stroke survivors in our area. I have been police checked by all three associations.

Whilst recuperating I realised that there is a deep void between leaving hospital and recovery.

Throughout my recovery I had only one official visitor who did not want to check my blood pressure. She left a lasting impression on me. She walked in and said, ‘Hello Michael, shall I put the kettle on’?

We chatted about non-medical things and only mentioned the word ‘stroke’ once. She was a breath of fresh air in my rather dark world. I vowed that when I recovered I would do the same.

We have now started a Christchurch Stroke Club which meets on the first Friday of the month at Priory House Quay Road Christchurch (10am to noon). I am always there.

Now, how can I help stroke survivors? Sometimes a patient only needs to talk to another survivor to feel better. They usually have a million questions but they do not want to waste their doctor’s time.

They often suffer from some very dark times. I am very willing to visit anyone in our area that would benefit from a chat with a stroke survivor or I will phone or email. I have walked in their shoes. I know how they feel.

I cannot give any medical advice, but I can bring hope and encouragement.

Contact me via through the Christchurch Angels befriending program, as I am also a fully-trained volunteer for the Christchurch Community Partnership.

Visit christchurchangels.org.uk, email christchurchangels@gmail.com or call 07443 476 798.

MICHAEL SCHOFIELD

Trefoil Way, Christchurch

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