When martial arts enthusiast and support worker Geoff (61) went out to buy last year’s Christmas elf costume, little did he know that he wouldn’t be wearing it to surprise his work colleagues.
Geoff was in good health, went to the gym on a regular basis and enjoyed walks with his dog every day. But a few days before Christmas, shortly before a night shift (dressed as an elf), Geoff suffered a minor stroke that affected the left side of his body.
Sadly, just after Christmas Geoff suffered a second, far more serious stroke. It was a major stroke that paralysed his right hand side, leaving Geoff unable to walk or use his arm and hand.
Geoff was admitted to hospital where he spent 5-6 weeks receiving medical attention as the recovery process started. Geoff was due to be transferred to a rehabilitation facility when he was diagnosed with Covid so he was instead sent home with a 2-month programme of physio.
During this time he was introduced to the Stroke Association who, along with Rise have been instrumental in providing the support he needed to make a recovery.
Speaking about this, Geoff said, “The Stroke Association have been a huge support and put me on the right path.
“One of the best things they did was introduce me to Matt and the team at Rise and their fabulous sports-based programme.
“It’s easy to be isolated following a stroke. I lost all my confidence and I have to say that Matt has been great at building me up again.
“He focuses on each of us as individuals and the way he works is really clever. I love the Rise sessions, the social interactions and the feeling of belonging to a group. It’s been great fun and the sessions are really helping with my mobility.”
Geoff attends weekly group sessions with Rise Cardiff East at a local venue, The Caerau and Ely Hub. These are funded by Sport Cardiff’s Move More initiative and we’ve been delighted to work with Kyle McCarthy. Each week the group members take part in exercises and activities based on sports such as football, rugby, tennis and hockey to name just a few. These are adapted to suit the abilities of those taking part.
The other people in the group have a variety of conditions that hamper mobility but they all share a desire to get moving and that’s exactly what they are encouraged and supported to do.
As well as the group sessions, Geoff has benefitted from one to one sessions. Activities have included a range of ‘sports’ adapted to focus on improving Geoff’s hand and leg coordination as well as lots of shoulder mobility exercises.
Matt and the team at Rise have also arranged for Geoff to attend two new community sessions in Thornhill and Whitchurch.
Matt said, “It’s been a pleasure working with Geoff. As a former sports enthusiast, he has the advantage of muscle memory and it’s really helped with his recovery.
“It’s lovely to have someone attend who is so proactive in his recovery. Geoff is an integral part of the sessions, he really lights up the room with his smile, humour and competitive streak! ”
Geoff added, “A stroke is no fun but I consider myself to be lucky. I received the medical attention I needed and am now getting great support with both my mental and physical wellbeing.
“I can’t thank Matt enough for building up my confidence and to the rest of the Rise team for everything that they do.”
Team Rise would also like to thank Lauren Heath from the Stroke Association who introduced Geoff to our programme.
