‘Real inspiration’ Paul battles back from severe stroke
AMAN is battling back after suffering a severe stroke that may have been caused by a nasty cold and violent cough.
The 49-year-old, of Redgrove Park in Up Hatherley, has developed a passion for art after surviving the stroke in February 2017 that left him unable to speak or move his right hand side.
Paul Park, who had no underlying health issues or risk factors, had a stroke caused by a tear in the artery in his neck.
After regaining consciousness in hospital, a few days after his stroke, he could only say a few words and had no use in his right hand side at all.
Paul has also had to deal with severe fatigue on a day-to-day basis.
He said: “I had a nasty cold and a violent cough in the week leading up to my stroke, which may have caused the damage to the artery in my neck.
“I remember my eyes just feeling like tiny little things that kept going and
coming back. After my stroke, I spent six months in rehabilitation.
“I could only say three words: ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ and ‘computer.’ I worked with computers for 30 years at the Ministry of Defence, but I had to leave my job after my stroke.”
Despite losing a job he loved, Paul’s speech and movement has slowly been improving. He attends a Stroke Association support group, has regular speech and language therapy, and he has also discovered a love for art.
He said: “Every Monday morning I attend a group with other stroke survivors and it’s great. For the first time, I recognise there are other people like me.
“I love doing my art, too – it’s helped so much. I love pastels, watercolours and oil painting even though I’ve had to learn to do it with my left hand.
“My speech is improving, it’s getting better and better. From day one, I’ve tried to be positive and to keep going up and up.”
Paul is also helping to spread awareness that stroke can happen to anyone, anytime, and the effects it can have.
Recently he gave a talk at The Richard Pate School in Cheltenham to showcase his artwork, explain his own story to the children and talk about how he learnt to paint with his weaker hand.
Stuart Cooper, head of volunteering and community at the Stroke Association, said: “We are delighted to see the progress Paul has made.
“He has been so positive and worked so hard since his stroke – he’s a real inspiration.
“Our volunteer groups can be a lifeline for people like Paul who are rebuilding their lives after stroke. We would like to hear from local people who can volunteer a few hours to help.”
Two new Stroke Association support groups have recently opened in Longlevens and Dursley and they need volunteers.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, visit stroke.org.uk or contact Michal Shalev, volunteering and community officer at the Stroke Association, at Michal.shalev@stroke.org.uk.