Wednesday the 6th of January 2021 was a normal day. We had tea and watched some telly but before we went to bed Pete complained of pins and needles in his arm and leg. I basically told him to stop being a drama queen. 'You'll have been sat funny love, good night's sleep and you'll be grand!' But he wasn't grand. He woke me up at 3am unable to balance or stand. I remember sitting downstairs wondering what to do. We rang 111. This wasn't your classic stroke he had full power just no real movement or control no Fast symptoms either. I'm a nurse and was confused! So an ambulance came and took Pete away! Alone due to covid restrictions and left me at home with our 2 boys. I got them sorted and away to school with the help of my mum. I didn't mention daddy being in hospital because I just didn't see the point! I rang my work and rearranged the days appointments and a lovely friend drove me to hospital to drop Pete some essentials.  He had been through the CT scanner but we had no formal diagnosis at that point only that it was most likely a stroke. 

And then dear reader I fell apart!

I waited for news alternating between tears and borderline hysteria!! He had an MRI which confirmed a right lacunar infarct. Now I know things! I've been nursing more than 20 years but I also knew nothing! I beat myself up and our amazing friends and my fantastic work colleagues supported me so I could support Pete. He so badly wanted to be home. To the extent he stayed awake half the night moving his affected left side so he could get home to us, and get home he did after just one night in hospital! 

I devoured every bit of information I could find on the Internet in the days and weeks following that day. As a nurse I can read and understand the scholarly articles - just! But it didn't take long to realise that lots of the stuff is scary and inaccurate and hard to fathom. But thank god for the Stroke Association website. The fact sheets and support lines are amazing 

Today Pete is home. I refer to him as gimpy! He's mobile just about. Thankfully cognitivley fine. We are hoping he will drive again. It's early days but we will do this and I'll raise money where I can!

As a family we have had so much love and support from our families, our friends and colleagues! We've had cake on the doorstep and home made food deliveries (this is because I am a rubbish cook and people were afraid Pete and the boys would starve) help with shopping and calls and texts and so much love we will never repay the kindnesses. But this is our thank you to help those without our support network through the Stroke Association. 

To those of you who were there - in person, on Facebook, on the messenger, text, whatsapp and all of that - thanks so very much ❤️

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from you, we can rebuild even more lives.