LIFE BEFORE STROKE

Loving life and always on the go. Always looking out for others and giving support in times of need.

Once a nurse, forever a nurse. Having trained in Georges, London and settling in Alton with Simon, life was incredibly busy and rich, forever supporting and interested in others. Reluctantly came retiring as Sister in charge of Basingstoke outpatients department

Retirement has been no less busy. Becoming Chair of the patients group at the local surgery and heavily involved with the practice on health education.

Somehow, in amongst supporting friends and family there has always been time for pilates and zumba four times a week. Such a social being, always interested in others life, their health and their adventures. There was just enough time to sit still for the odd hour or two to play social bridge.

Adventures have always been a vital part of life. Travel, particularly walking, both here in the UK in the beautiful countryside, and to many places all over the world. The more remote the better- Bhutan, Himalayas and South America. Often the more spontaneous and adventurous the better- like disappearing to the Hebrides in between lockdowns..in a campervan with a broken foot from tripping up a step at the Albert Hall!

Even following stroke, just out of hospital after 3 months, the goal was to make it to the Coronation. And it happened...front row of the Mall, watching the Golden Carriage, truly magical!

MY ADVERSITY

Super fit and always on the go, loving life and looking after others. In a flash this all changed with no warning signs whatsoever. One minute I had been out walking, just home and putting on the kettle and the next minute I was in hospital having suffered a severe stroke.

Apparently I spent five days in Winchester hospice as the treatment I was given over that first night didn't work and the doctors suggested end of life care. At the end of day two in the hospice the only words I said were 'I am not ready to die yet'.

And here I am .

After 3 months back in the hospital and in the specialist, stroke ward (Twyford), I finally came home. Albeit with two person hoist transfers with no movement or feeling down my left side, unable to sit up and just off pureed food and thickened drinks.

I was home and began my rehabilitation journey - physio, hydro, a range of therapies and an amazing support team around me. Family bought me a small secondhand all terrain buggy that has enabled me to access the woods to see the bluebells and to travel some of the paths that I used to walk.

MY ADVENTURE

I realised that others may not be as fortunate as me and want to give something back.

When on the very busy Twyford ward I would often have to wait over an hour for the hoist that was my only way to be transferred to the wheelchair or the commode. It was a very long wait for the toilet! So I have decided to take on a challenge to be able to buy the ward an additional mobile hoist so that others do not have to suffer the same pains and indignities of waiting a long time to be able to use the toilet.

To raise these funds I am going to attempt to complete the Camino Ingles in my all-terrain buggy with a support team. I am starting on the St James Way (Reading to Southampton) and will then cross the Bay of Biscay and join the Camino Ingles (English Way) in A Corona and follow the route to Santiago de Compostela.

. You can follow my journey here https://www.facebook.com/sally.stoodley.12

Where does Adversity to Adventure fit in?

Having completed my adventure the offroad wheelchair will be made available to others who have braved adversity and wish to take on their own adventure. Individuals will be able to apply to borrow the wheelchair through the charity 'ADVERSITY TO ADVENTURE' which I am setting up, and where the offroad wheelchair will belong.