Rory to the rescue

DAVE Wilson turned to a four-legged friend to help him make lifestyle changes after his stroke – a rescue greyhound called Rory.

Rory helps give Dave the motivation to exercise and improve his health, cutting the risk of a further stroke.

Dave, 55, was on a caravanning holiday with wife, Gerry, when he had his stroke. He said: “Every stroke is different. When I got home I was lucky in that I could walk, talk and use my hands, arms and legs, although not to the same extent as I could before my stroke.

“As a result, I started to change my life. I changed everything from diet to exercise, the whole lot. I completely overhauled my lifestyle.

“Now I’m doing more exercise, I’ve got a dog and have become much more active. Rory is just over six years old now and we have had him for about two and a half years.

“Having him has done great things for me and my wife. Walking is a wonderful experience for me as, after my stroke, walking was not easy. We walk every day and hit at least 10,000 steps.

“Getting fresh air, enjoying the sounds of birds and seeing wildlife is mentally soothing and helps stress. The exercise is great for my overall health.

“You need to walk a dog and this motivates me whatever the weather. I thought if I can walk a dog what else can I do?

“My wife did a lot of research into how to prevent strokes and we changed our lives. I didn’t eat chocolate or sweets, alcohol, or anything that was fattening. I ended up losing four and a half stone as a result.”

Dave now volunteers with the Stroke Association’s Moving Forwards After Stroke programme, helping stroke survivors to become more active and live a healthy lifestyle.

■ Stroke Helpline: Tel. 0303 3033 100