Latest news

Posted on 24 Jul 2026

Dean was 54 when he suffered a stroke that left him struggling to use his right side and unable to drive, dramatically affecting his independence. He is extremely thankful for the support and care of the Trust's Community Stroke team, who have helped him improve his mobility, regain independence in his self care, recover movement in his right hand, and begin exploring longer outdoor walks. His long term goal is to take part in a charity walk with his daughter - something they have done together for the past 20 years.

Before his stroke, Dean had worked as a Window Furnishings Designer for almost seven years. The stroke left him unable to use his right side, affecting his walking, self care, eating and drinking, domestic tasks, driving, and his ability to work.

"At the time the stroke happened, my blood pressure was extremely high," says Dean. "It went to over 200 mmHg, which shocked me because I'd always felt fit and well. I hadn't seen my doctor for 10 years. I was at home when it happened, around 7am. I woke up feeling unwell and had pins and needles. My wife called 111 for advice and an ambulance was sent straight away. It arrived in about three minutes. I'm still undergoing investigations to find out the cause of the stroke."

Dean was admitted to the Stroke Unit at Queen's Medical Centre for around a week before being transferred to the Daybrook Rehabilitation Ward at City Hospital for three weeks.

"That's where I first started standing again, using a rotunda and a Sara Stedy, a mobile transfer aid designed to help me perform sit-to-stand movements, before progressing to walking with support," explains Dean.

"The impact on my daily life was immediate and profound. I feel like my independence has been taken away. I can't drive at the moment, and I can't go anywhere on my own. It has changed my whole life out of nowhere. It was frightening - I walked into the hospital, and suddenly I couldn't move my right side. I'm not working now, I can't carry objects and I'm living with my parents after separating from my wife and selling our house."

Dean was referred to the Trust's Community Stroke team following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, who visited him at home.

Rhea Ermita, Senior Occupational Therapist at the Trust, has been supporting Dean's recovery and says:

"When I first met Dean, he presented with significant right sided weakness, reduced balance and coordination, and a marked loss of confidence in his mobility. Our early sessions focused on rebuilding his functional strength, improving his gait pattern and supporting him to relearn everyday tasks safely. Dean engaged exceptionally well with therapy, demonstrating strong motivation and consistency with his home exercise programme. As his mobility and independence improved, we progressed his goals to include more complex outdoor walking, upper limb rehabilitation and strategies to support a gradual return to meaningful daily activities. It has been rewarding to see his continued progress and growing confidence in managing his condition."

Dean said: "The Community Stroke team are wonderful. They've supported me to get my walking back and to work towards driving again. They've helped me access other services like the gait lab, spasticity clinic and orthotics, and even loaned me a Functional Electrical Stimulation device to help manage my spasticity. They've stayed with me as I continue to progress - even if it's slow."

He also credits his family for their support.

"My family have been amazing, even though they're very worried about me. They've driven me everywhere, especially to see my daughter."

Looking ahead, Dean hopes to regain more independence and return to the hobbies he loves, such as walking outdoors, birdwatching and supporting his daughter at football.

"I'm hoping to get back to as much normality as possible and to keep improving. Being able to drive again is so important to me - it's my independence. I also want to walk from Plumtree to Ruddington, where my brother lives. It would be lovely to have a cup of tea at the other end and see how far I've managed to walk.

"I am also exploring the possibility of returning to work using assistive and virtual technologies and considering a new direction in his career. 

"My longer term aim is to take part in a two hour charity walk with my daughter. We've done it every year for 20 years, but I missed it this year because of my stroke."

Amy Eagle, Care Group Director of Community Health and Specialist Services at Nottinghamshire Healthcare, said:

"Dean's story shows the significant impact stroke can have, but also the difference that our Community Stroke team can make. We're delighted that the team has been able to support him on his recovery and help him take important steps towards rebuilding his confidence and have greater independence. Wishing Dean every success as he works towards completing a charity walk with his daughter."

Dean's story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a stroke can have - and why raising awareness, recognising the signs and supporting recovery is so important.

You can find more information about our  Community Stroke Team on the Trust's website or find out more about stroke and causes, symptoms, prevention, rehabilitation and support services at The Stroke Association.