Hi my name is Pete and I will be attempting to run my first 50 mile Ultra marathon on 16th September to raise awareness and funds for a good friend of mine who suffered a massive stroke on Christmas eve, this is their story.......... Being fit and active and with no underlying health conditions and at just 60 years old, we were completely stunned when Neil suffered a stroke on Xmas Eve 2024. The following week is all a bit of a blur. Neil underwent surgery to remove part of his skull, when his brain became swollen and was threatening his life. The stroke specialist explained the severity of the right sided stroke he had suffered, which was, caused by a blood clot. At this point, Neil was completely paralysed down his left side. He was struggling to swallow and had a naso gastric tube to enable him to be fed. He needed full nursing care 24 hrs a day. He spent 3 weeks in MK hospital stroke ward and had to learn everything, from how to lift and hold his head up, to learning to balance, to be able to sit up and to eat again. It was a long arduous journey for him to have to face. It was really tough but, Neil has a strong, deep determination and when my daughter and I were told he might not walk again, we didn’t believe it for a minute. We knew that with the right input, Neil would succeed in walking again. It was just identifying that input. In January 2024, Neil was transferred and wheeled in on a stretcher, to Oxford Centre for Enablement. This is a specialist NHS rehab unit in Oxford. There are not that many rehab beds available, so we knew how lucky he was to have got one at OCE! 13 weeks later, after receiving daily intensive Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy and a great deal of excellent nursing care. Plus of course, a lot of sweat, blood and tears, Neil managed to walk out of the unit. The photo attached, shows him when he walked unaided through the door and finally returned home. Neils recovery and rehabilitation continues and we continue to see a Neuro physiotherapist. We have joined the Buckingham Stroke Support group and this has introduced us to others, who have also suffered strokes and are further along in their recovery and their carers. This is a big support to us both and meets monthly at Lace Hill Community Centre. Neil knows he still has a way to go before he will be back on the golf course, one of his main goals! But we know how far he has already come... we have no doubt, the golf course will see Neil playing on it again.. soon When Neil was in OCE, one of his biggest pleasures came from us taking our Labradoodle Bertie, to see him. We were able to sit in the garden they have for a while, which was such a boost for him. Sadly, the garden has become quite tired and worn and they are trying to raise funds to modernise and make it a haven for patients to enjoy outdoor visits and just some outside space for fresh air and to provide a beautiful relaxing space to help in patient’s recovery. Please click on links for more information on what an amazing unit the OCE is.... https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/oce/services/neurological-rehabilitation/ https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/oce/services/occupational-therapy/ Pete being the amazing slightly crazy friend that he is, has decided he wants to run an "Ultramarathon" for Neil and has asked Neil where he would like any money raised to go. Any money donated will be split in half to be given to help OCE with their garden fund. The other half, Neil would like to go to the Buckingham Stroke support group. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Pete and everybody for all your wonderful ongoing support!
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