"I have been very humbled to have their support"

2024 started badly when I went out on a Sunday morning to play football (something I have done for around 30 years). This particular January morning I headed the football, causing an injury behind my ear which led to an arterial dissection and having a mini-stroke.

Although not physically impaired it did cause massive headaches, confusion, and later anxiety issues and tiredness and resulted with 9 months off work. It was a shock to the whole family but we managed to all pull together to support each other.

The Community Stroke Team contacted me within the first week and came to visit me. Initially I was so confused and scared as to what had happened and what the future held for me. The team (Nicola & Hannah) were extremely patient and supportive and regularly visited me to carry out cognitive tests, rehabilitation support and advice.

I have been very humbled to have their support, without which I don't think I would have recovered within the year. Hannah even assisted greatly with liaising with my employers and advising on a return to work programme.

Although I am not yet at 100%, I am feeling more normal than I have felt since January, and feel I can function a lot better on a daily basis.

The anxiety, headaches and tiredness are still in the background and do flare up now and then, but I am able to recognise the symptoms and deal with the issues better now.

Unfortunately my football career is over (!) but I am so thankful for the invaluable support I have received over the last 11 months from the Community Stroke Team, and they deserve recognition and praise for their services.