A STROKE survivor and keen horsewoman who was left paralysed and unable to speak three years ago is now competing in dressage competitions.

Sheila Brand from Guisborough was just 55 and had been horse riding at her stables when she had a stroke.

She had been an avid horse rider all her life, buying her own horse at the age of 16.

After her stroke, doctors told her husband Dave that she had only a 50 per cent chance of survival.

She was initially unable to talk and completely paralysed down her right-hand side.

Mr Brand said: "Sheila had to be taught how to dress herself, and do basic things for herself. It was like starting all over again."

Mrs Brand, now 58, still has issues with her speech, cognitive problems and has weakness down her right hand side.

She was supported by the Stroke Association's Communication Support Service to help her with communicating and improve her confidence.

She is now supporting the Stroke Association’s ‘I am more than my stroke’ Christmas appeal after the charity helped her to return to the hobby she loved.

Mr Brand said: “We both really benefitted from the Stroke Association’s Communication Support group. It’s so helpful to meet people with similar issues, and you no longer feel the odd one out. Sheila was very conscious about her speech, but hearing people telling her how well she is doing has really helped to build her confidence.”

In August 2018, Mrs Brand felt confident enough to visit the Unicorn Centre, a horse riding school which enables people with disabilities to enjoy riding. She has now enjoyed lessons and even took part in a dressage competition in October, finishing in sixth place.

She said: “I’ve always ridden horses and used to have my own horse. It has always been a massive part of my life. After my stroke I knew I’d get back to horse riding. I just couldn’t not do it. I know first-hand that stroke can turn your life upside down in an instant and change it forever. But despite what I’ve been through, the support I received from the Stroke Association made me feel that I am more than my stroke, I’m still me and I can still live my life.

There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year. Stroke continues to be a leading cause of disability and over 80 per cent of stroke survivors require help with daily living such as walking, washing, eating and communicating. The ‘I am more than my stroke’ Christmas appeal is seeking to raise money for the Stroke Association so that they can continue to help more stroke survivors with their recovery.

Chris Larkin, Regional Director at the Stroke Association, said: “For many stroke survivors, rebuilding their lives after stroke is a long and challenging process. Stroke not only presents physical challenges, but the way it suddenly changes people’s lives and their plans for their future can also cause feelings of depression, anxiety and despair. However, we have seen that with the right support many people can be helped to live fulfilling lives following their stroke."

  • The Stroke Association is looking for volunteers to support communication groups in the Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland area. No previous experience is necessary as full training and support will be provided.
  • Volunteering will usually be three hours every fortnight. For more information, contact Karen Jones on 016420-988147.