2019 – June

Wow, what a great month May was, we had our biggest audience to date for our drop ins.   More than 40 people attended which is fantastic and it proves that there is a requirement for what we do;   Whilst there can be no doubt that the national charity do a superb job (in fact that’s just it, its A JOB) whereas for us, its our lives, our new lives at that.   May also saw another Stroke Awareness Month and we certainly played our part by organising a few events to promote the condition.   We joined forces with Estate Planning Solutions (who will also be visiting our drop in later in the month to provide guidance and assistance on wills, power of attorney and such like) and Healthwatch Stockport who do a fantastic role within Stockport to help anyone with any health related issues where they have received poor service, yes as their name suggests they are the Health watch which is very much like the watchdog television programme for example if you went to the dentist and were overcharged for work undertaken, they will investigate the service you received , they really do help to raise any issue with the relevant authorities.   Healthwatch Stockport also held a coffee morning on our behalf to invite people to understand the services we offer.   I am also extremely pleased to announce that StrokeInformation has been named Healthwatch Stockport’s charity of the year!!!!!

On a separate note we have started one of our trials where we have loaned an electric bike to a Stroke survivor who has been enjoying a new found lease of life whilst also exercising and they have really benefited from this little scheme, more news to come on that in the coming months.     We also want o hear from you if you would like to talk about your own experiences of Stroke for another very exciting feature which we will be starting this month.   I would like to take this opportunity to give a special mention to my brother from another mother, Pete Coghlan, yes the former locked in patient is over from Perth, Western Australia to spend some time visiting family and friends over here in blighty.   Upon arriving, we took Peter to Manchester United’s Training Ground at Carrington, where he actually met Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young and if that wasn’t enough we then arranged to go and visit Michelle Wheatley, one of our patron’s for the charity with Michelle’s mum Linda.    Frank (Michelle’s Dad) and Linda recently attended a race night in aid of funds for Michelle’s first holiday whilst she remains locked in, the money raised will enable her to go away with specialised carers and enjoy a different environment and experience.     Pete also managed to grace the hallowed turf at Edgeley Park (Stockport County FC) for a photo opportunity to promote his wonderful story which has now been depicted in his book “In the Blink of an eye, reborn” which is available via amazon.