As some of you may be aware, my Dad suffered a stroke in August 2022 with a bleed from a vital part of the brain known as the thalamus. 

He is currently at a rehabilitation centre however his cognitive impairment is deemed severe leading to significant language and cognitive-communication difficulties. He is disorientated to time, place and situation - at times it is difficult for him to recognise us as family members. His recovery prospects are very uncertain at this time.

Dad spent five months in the Wisley Ward at the Royal Surrey Hospital and the staff were nothing short of incredible. I have always had admiration for NHS staff but witnessing their dedication, patience and compassion first hand was eye opening and heart warming. 

Despite our desire to move Dad to a rehabilitation centre as soon as possible to start therapy, it was extremely emotional when the day came for him to leave the Wisley Ward. It was difficult to imagine Dad coping in his current state without the wonderful relationships he had formed with the nurses. One nurse even offered to travel for two hours in the car on her day off to help Dad settle into his new place.

I will never be able to fully repay the staff at the Wisley Ward however I will be doing the Marbella Ironman 70.3 on May 7th and hope to raise money for them. This involves a 1.8km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run.

Strokes can be devastating, not only for the patient but also the surrounding family. It is therefore vital that NHS staff are given sufficient resources to help and support.

Donations will go a long way to providing additional resources, equipment and training to the Wisley Ward so they can continue to assist future stroke patients like my Dad. 

Thank you for any donations and thank you again everyone at the Wisley Ward, we couldn’t have got through those first five months without you!