Ruth Clark

I was very fit prior to having my stroke - I worked full time as a nurse, working 7 nights on and 7 off, going to the gym 3 times a week and swimming at least 5 miles a week. I had more energy than people 30 years younger. I went on holiday 3 or 4 times a year; I always kept busy doing something, if the weather was good I would drive out to the countryside and go for a long walk on the moors. I also enjoyed fell walking rain or shine. At first I could not believe it had happened to me, as I was so fit. The doctors told me that if had not been fit I would not have survived and there were many times I wish I hadn't. I am now glad that I did as I now have 3 grand children. I wanted to be a proper hands-on granny; baby-sitting and every thing, now I cannot even pick them up.

I now live independently with the help of carers. I have been to college and done a GCSE course in psychology but failed the exam due to my memory problems. I have also learnt to swim. Sometimes I am so angry about it as I was planning my retirement. I had planned to buy a small bungalow and do voluntary work for a couple of years or go backpacking around the world. As I used to live in a 2nd floor flat I had to move and have quite a nice ground floor flat now.

Thanks to Ruth for sending in her profile. Anyone else who would like to share their story can send it along with a photograph (if you're not shy!)

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