Anglesey stroke survivor backs campaign highlighting long-term impact of stroke
A stroke survivor from Anglesey is sharing his experience to highlight the long-term impact of stroke, as new research suggests many people underestimate its severity and the road to recovery.
Peter Perkins, 68, from Amlwch, suffered a haemorrhagic stroke in November 2022, which left him unable to move the left side of his body.
The retired ambulance worker spent two months in hospital receiving physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support.
He said: “I couldn’t walk, dress myself, or even cut my own food.”
Peter says the support he received on the stroke unit helped him take his first steps again, but believes rehabilitation shouldn’t end when patients leave hospital.
“Recovery doesn’t stop when you leave the ward,” he said. “You need continued physio, emotional support, and proper follow-up.”
His experience comes as the Stroke Association launches its ‘Survival Is Not Enough’ campaign, highlighting the lasting effects of stroke and the support people need to rebuild their lives.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 28 per cent believe strokes mainly affect people over the age of 65, despite one in four strokes happening to people of working age.
The research also found that 34 per cent of people aged 18 to 34, and 24 per cent of those aged 35 to 44, believe they’re too young to have a stroke.
Almost a third of those surveyed – 32 per cent – didn’t know a stroke is a brain injury, while 19 per cent were unaware it could cause long-term difficulties with walking, talking, seeing or swallowing.
A further 22 per cent underestimated recovery time, believing it takes just a few months or less.
Peter continued working to improve his mobility after being told at his six-month review that he had reached the limit of his recovery. With support from Stroke Association coordinator Delyth and the National Exercise Referral Scheme, he gradually rebuilt his confidence and movement.
He’s now urging people to recognise that recovery can continue long after initial treatment.
“Stroke is devastating, but it’s not the end of the world,” he said. “Everyone’s journey is different, but there are positives. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Stroke Association says someone in the UK has a stroke every five minutes, with 1.4 million people living with a brain injury caused by stroke.
The charity’s ‘Survival Is Not Enough’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the physical and emotional challenges survivors can face, and the importance of ongoing rehabilitation and support.