My name is Gillian, and like most people in their thirties, I never thought stroke could happen to me — I thought it was something that only happened to older people. But at just 30 years old, my life changed in an instant when I had a massive brainstem stroke.
I spent weeks in a coma. At one stage, doctors even talked about turning off my life support. It was terrifying for my partner Gordon and my family. The impact of the stroke was massive. I had to relearn to walk, talk, speak and swallow. I wasn’t able to return home until over a year after my stroke. And when I did, life was far from how it had been when I left. I was in a wheelchair, still dealing with speech issues, fatigue, and weakness in my left hand and right leg. The worst part was people treating me differently.
Then, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke came into my life. Lynne and Julie from NICHS visited me and Gordon at home as part of their Family Support Service. They listened, they understood, and most importantly — they gave me hope.
I joined NICHS’s Post Rehab Exercise Programme (PREP). At the start, I came in my wheelchair and couldn’t do many of the exercises. But I made progress every week. I met others who totally understand what I’m going through, and see me for me, not my stroke.
When I walked in with my rollator for the first time, the whole group cheered. That encouragement meant the world to me. And the best moment of all? On 25th July 2025, I married my wonderful partner Gordon, and had the strength to walk down the aisle.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke — and without people who support them. When you give to NICHS, your donation really does change lives. It funds real services for real people in communities across Northern Ireland — people like me.
Kind regards,
Gillian
