Page 4: Members Stories | Teeside Stroke Club

Members Stories

The stories below are all genuine - they were written by and provided by members and represent their feelings - contact the Stroke Club if you require further details

Shelagh's Story

The stroke club helps me exercise in a safe environment with specialist equipment that helps with hand and leg coordination.

My fitness levels have gone up, my paralysis is kept moving so that my affected side doesn't seize up and the fact that all the members help each other and the volunteers pass on any information they think may help us.

Bod's story

Tony's Story

Ever since I suffered my stroke a few years ago, I have battled both mental and physical health issues. Attending the stroke clubs gym sessions has the obvious benefits of addressing physical health, but equally mental health it aids my well -being and ability to relax, as well as the obvious social interactions. I suffered a double whammy in that i was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes whilst recovering from my stroke. The stroke club while not primary been set up to do so, has benefited my well -being regarding my diabetes immeasurably. As well as being immense benefit to personal physical and mental well being, the stroke club acts a great source of social interaction between members, some of whom would undoubtedly struggle to make contact with others if the club did not exist. Finally and possibly most importantly the club serves as a centre in which members can make friends, swap stories and experiences and seek other advice's.

Without the club , its organisers and volunteers life wouldn't be good for for a lot of people.

In 2017 my husband had a stroke while we were in France. Quite literally 'at a stroke' our life was completely changed. After two weeks in hospital in France and then two weeks in North Tees Hospital he was discharged and we began our new life at home. For a few weeks the front door felt like a revolving door as carers, nurses and various therapists came and went. It was completely overwhelming, and I felt bombarded with leaflets, booklets and information while trying to adjust to my husband's needs and giving him the care he needed. Suddenly, almost all the help stopped, and we were left to our own devices. In a way this is the hardest time and while family and friends are sympathetic they cannot understand the enormity of it all.

ENTER Teesside Stroke Club!

After a few weeks I found the website online and after ringing Ted we went along to the gym session. My husband immediately found great benefit from the exercise under supervision, and it has helped his physical and mental development. However, what I was not expecting was the enormous benefit for me too. Having a weekly meeting with other wives of stroke survivors has been, and still is, invaluable. We laugh together, cry together and share information that is sometimes very difficult to find. We know that we all understand the difficulties that we face and there is no judgement of each other, no matter what we say.

I cannot stress enough how valuable the club is for both partners and there is nowhere else where we can both receive such support and friendship.

Jan's Story

My husband had a stroke in 2017 and used to come to stroke club and enjoy it. I used to come with him, some time after he died l decided to volunteer, lt seemed to me to be a way of continuing to help him by helping other people in similar situations. lt means a lot to me and l enjoy being part of such a necessary and beneficial organisation hen .l see people improve physically all the time and also gain in confidence. When they first come to the groupl am able to help them socialise at a time in their lives when they are trying to come to terms with what has happened to them and wondering how to move forward with their lives. l think what the club provides for its members is a important facility it is friendly and sociable for some members it is the only place they go and l am glad to be able to chat to them, we all help each other that way and the volunteers benefit to.

Ray's Story

Paul's Story

Steve's Story

The stroke club provides assistance to stroke victims who struggle to regain some form of normality following their stroke.
I suffered a Heart attack and stroke myself in 2016 , so fully understand how an individual, who may have been an important figurehead suddenly has to step aside and rely on others to take on that task .
I found the combination of the gym equipment coupled with the volunteers and the other members allows individuals the chance to improve their weaker limbs, whilst having the opportunity of talking to others in a similar situation
It's pleasing to know over the time, quite few of our members have progressed immensely over a period -from been in a wheelchair dependent to being unable to walk unaided or regaining the use of some limbs!
Admittedly, not everyone enjoys this type of rehabilitation in a gym environment, but most enjoy the company and have the opportunity to chat and resolve other issues .

When I came out of hospital, after being in for over 5 months, I was in a wheelchair, I was unable to talk, I was incontinent and basically useless.

During my time in hospital, the main ‘injuries’ that I had were Brain hypoxia that resulted in my inability to talk, Heart and Kidney failure and Hemiparesis, basically my right leg was paralysed.

After over a year at home, trying to recover with the help of my Wife, Carers and the Doctor, I only improved marginally

I was then introduced to TSC, and I reluctantly attended their sessions, the main benefit at the beginning was the other members – I did not feel so isolated, and I could share my feelings with others who really understood

I had significant problems with ‘sit to stand’.

With the use of the Gym facilities and the specialist equipment I first solved the ‘sit to stand issue with the aid of the instructors and the volunteers then I attempted to walk, after 7 months I was using a Zimmer frame. After another year I could do away with the wheelchair. I can now ‘walk’ very short distances.

The speech problem was more difficult and I still have a problem now but, the people at TSC made me feel welcome and are very patient and I did not feel like a ‘freak’ when I tried to talk to them, over the months my speech has improved to the point where I can have a ‘conversation’ with people who know me and my problems. Because both the patients and their carers understand the issues they can be much more patient than hospital Physio’s who are, understandably, very short of time.

TSC has helped me enormously, without their involvement and the ability to meet likeminded people I would not like to think where I would be now – probably immersed in my own self-pity

Here's my own personal reasons for attending the club. I hope it's useful.

Steve, my husband suffered a life changing stroke in July 2022.

He had no underlying health issues previous to the stroke.

He was finally able to attend Teesside Stroke Association in January 2023 following a recommendation by his physiotherapist.

When we first started, Steve was like 'a rabbit in the headlights. He was very self conscious of his

limitations and found it difficult to relax and mix with people he didn't know.

The volunteers however soon put him at ease and gradually he gained more confidence and began making friends and

making progress on his road to regaining some of the fitness he had lost following the stroke.

For me, it was a huge relief to walk through the doors and be welcomed by people who are in a similar situation to us.

Being a carer, I have discovered, is a very stressful experience with feelings of isolation and fear being a regular part of living life in a different way.

Sometimes the responsibility of it all is so daunting. It's a relief and a great source of emotional support knowing that conversations with people who are in a similar situation often help to lighten the load.

There's also practical advice and support available for issues which arise if needed too.

I greatly value the people I have met over the time we've been attending, who I can now call friends, I look forward to our weekly catchup and a cuppa. We share our experiences, share tips and advice.

We share laughter as well as a few tears along the way too. Life isn't easy and life will never be the same again for us, but it's comforting knowing that you're not alone as you navigate through life

Stella's Story

Salem Ajej's Story

I had my stroke over four years ago, when I was 83. It was 2020 and the world was in lockdown. I was also recently widowed, so living alone for the first time in my life.

Before the stroke, l'd been very healthy, active and independent. But I found myself in hospital, in a room on my own for nine weeks. Visitors were not allowed me and contact with staff was minimal because of COVID.

Being totally paralysed down my right side, I needed help to do the simplest of tasks and it was an incredibly lonely and scary time.

When I first got home, it was a huge adjustment from the life l'd lived prior to the stroke. However, I was committed to regaining my dignity. Being able to use the toilet and shower myself was my primary motivation

As a result, and with the support from the physiotherapists, I quickly learned to walk a few steps with a walking frame. Although it was exhausting, I was determined to persevere and regain my mobility.

I had a great team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists working with me at home for three months, who recommended joining Teesside Stroke Club.

Through Teesside Stroke Club I have access to equipment that I otherwise would not get the opportunity to use and trainers whose expertise ensures I'm exercising properly.

They have helped me regain strength and mobility, in a safe, friendly and supportive way. My weekly visits are one of the highlights of my week.

To be around other stroke survivors is encouraging and motivating as there is no judgement. It is a very open group of people that have become my friends.

I know that without these resources and their support and friendship, I would not be where I am today. Living largely independently and with my dignity.

My 2nd Stroke however although physically I was ok it left me unable to speak.

With time and the care of the speech therapy team I did recover some speech but word recovery and reading and writing are still a problem. The speech therapy team told me about Teesside Stroke Club and I am so pleased she did.

Until then I had been embarrassed to meet other people due to my speech problems, l also have hearing difficulties and have a Cochlear Implant.

When I first attended the stroke club I was made to feel welcome straight away and enjoyed mixing with others who had also had strokes and different disabilities people suffer as a result of stroke.

I felt comfortable speaking again for the first time outside my immediate family. The exercise group in the gym is really good and the volunteers are so friendly and encouraging.

The Teesside Stroke Club is the biggest asset for me following my stroke and I hope it carries on for many years so that many more people can benefit from the help and support it gives to Stroke Victims in the Teesside area.

Peter's Story

I'm writing to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible support and care you have provided to my dad during his recovery journey. Your involvement has made a truly positive difference in his life — not only in terms of his physical progress, but also his confidence, emotional wellbeing, and sense of community.

From the early days following his stroke to the ongoing support he continues to receive, your team has shown professionalism, compassion, and dedication that we will never forget. The encouragement and connection he has found through your services have been invaluable, and it has been inspiring to see the difference this has made to both him and our family.

Please extend our gratitude to everyone involved — your work is deeply appreciated and makes a lasting impact on the lives of those you support

Charlies Story

I suffered a stroke in 2014, working at the time as an elected councillor in Middlesbrough.

I heard about the club due to Council involvement in the start up of the club.

Although not suffering physical disability I sill had effects from my "brain attack" the club helped with an exercise regime aimed in my case to help prevent any further attacks.

At the time council employees helped with the exercise regime, now the club itself employs exercise coaches.

I benefited from the exercise and advice offered and from contact and conversation with other stroke survivors, many with profound physical effects from stroke. I would say that I benefit from the club by being involved with others with similar experiences.

I overcame my initial problems and learnt that whatever the damage there was always improvement available.

The club provides what short term rehabilitation and physio can not, like minded peers, people open to endeavour and change willing to share experience on symptoms and medication, the social and communication side being as important as the physical.

I was involved with the University experiments and assessments with memory and mobility challenges, although further funding and research was not forthcoming their conclusion was that improvement was possible.

The club offers care, socialisation, and exercise but above all progress.

I think this progress invites further investigation, both from results and improvements in personal wellbeing, the holistic approach with social events, bowling, hanging baskets, bingo with wonderful prizes to name but a few is an essential part of club life and progress.

The involvement and support of and by volunteers and carers is a testament to how stroke survivors and their loved ones can progress.

I have learned to appreciate how lucky I am not to have suffered lasting physical damage from stroke and to appreciate the bravery of how others, carers and volunteers cope through the stewardship of this club.

Ann's Story

Being a member of the stroke club has helped me mentally and physically. Mentally sharing with 'likewise' people stories of coping with everyday life and its ups and downs and knowing you are not alone.

Physically the active gym sessions are very important to me and since starting have made a difference to my disability which is slow but progressing.

Thanking you for helping me and my fellow friends to achieve our goal.