Patrick's Story

Personalised Support and Rehabilitation

Patrick experienced a stroke in 2018, which led to weakness in his right side, aphasia and right-side hemianopia. Acquired Brain Injury Navigator, Sharon, transformed his rehabilitation journey by developing a rehabilitation plan tailored to his interests and personal goals.

When Patrick first met  Sharon, he found speech and mobility difficult. Conversations become difficult, walking was challenging and he found himself staying home more and more. Through weekly one-to-one support with Sharon, his speech and confidence began to improve. Support included trips to the local library to practice speech through reading thriller books (Patrick’s favourite) and gradual walking exercises in the community to build his confidence in familiar places. Sharon also brushed up on her football knowledge to encourage conversation and engagement. While working with Patrick, Sharon also identified a need for and helped source a shoe plinth, a simple but effective aid, that helped his mobility and balance.

Through his determination and consistent hard work, Patrick read his first book since his stroke.

A Heart-Warming Moment

Very meaningfully, Patrick and Sharon visited the library where the author of the series of crime books, Simon Mason, was doing a talk. Patrick was able to tell him he had learnt to read again after his stroke using his books, an emotional and heart-warming moment.

In Patrick’s own words

“Sharon has changed my life – I wouldn’t go anywhere before she started to support me and I could barely put words together. Now I feel part of my local community again. Walking properly has made such a difference. I’ve made friends and my family can’t believe the improvements in my speech – I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without Sharon.”

Patrick with author Simon Mason at his book launch talk