After a brain haemorrhage/stroke in June, my life changed completely. 2 months in Derriford Hospital took a huge impact on both my physical and mental health. Prior to my illness, we ran a busy pub, I was used to doing 100 things at once, physically I would be moving barrels around daily, then without warning I was unable to make a cup of tea alone. We left the pub for a better work life balance and to have quality family time, never could we imagine this would happen to us. On the day I was starting work, BANG, everything changed.

The isolation and depression were the hardest part; with little social interaction my life had changed. Huge waiting lists meant I had no physical or mental health support; I became very depressed until someone suggested the Exercise Rehabilitation sessions at Westbank Community Health and Care (Westbank). More of a ‘pub person,’ I had never been a fitness freak, but barely able to walk, I was willing to give it a go! Then I met Katie in Westbank’s Fitness Team and as dramatic as it sounds, she changed my life! She was so supportive and encouraging, gradually I started to see small improvements in my physical abilities and Katie consistently reminded me how far I had come.

After a few months we talked about volunteering at Westbank. I started to support the Men’s Brunch Club on a Tuesday, there I met Trev, Jane and Angela and of course, Sarah-Jane. What an amazing group of people, so caring, supportive and positive, I can only manage a couple of hours at the moment due to having to sleep but they are so accommodating and have truly made me feel like me again, its made me accept that recovery may be a long road but its also possible when you work hard and surround yourself with positive caring people.

Previously working in adults’ mental health, I understand the importance of social interaction. Whilst at the pub, we supported Westbank by providing a free, three-course meal at Christmas to those battling loneliness and isolation and I have seen first hand the great work Westbank do.

Although I am still within recovery and have a little way to go, I cannot wait to return to working life but hope to continue volunteering as I enjoy it so much. I cannot thank Westbank, and in particular Katie, Sarah-Jane, Sarah B, Pip and the Men’s Brunch Club team enough for their support and encouragement. I now hope to help Westbank set up a support group for Stroke and Brain Haemorrhage survivors to help others realise they are not alone.

I may still walk like a drunk duck and have the memory of a drunk goldfish! But Westbank, in particular Katie, has made me see there is light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel.