PERSONAL STORIES: Eduardo Carvalaho 
Interviewed in Portsmouth, June 2008:
Different Strokes: How old are you, where were you born and how long have you been a stroke survivor?
Ed: “I’m 68 years of age, born in Goa; and a Stroke Survivor for just over a year.”
Different Strokes: What was your occupation(s) and when?
Ed: “A chef; I served 10 years in the Royal Navy, 7 years in the Civil Service; and 27 years on the North Sea Oil Rigs .
Getting to work was usually quite a trek! For example from my home in Portsmouth to the Shell North Cormorant platform: Portsmouth to London by train - Flight London to Aberdeen - Flight from Aberdeen to Shetland - Shetland to platform via helicopter! It was 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off in my 10 years as Head Chef there. To the Claymore and Piper platforms (Oxydental) where I also worked for 10 years was a very similar journey but with an overnight stay in a hotel in Aberdeen followed by a morning flight by helicopter to the platform. It was a similar journey to work when I worked for 7 years on the BP's Arbroath platform. After 27 years on the oil fields, I eventually retired in 2002 ”
Different Strokes: Of all your experiences, which occasion or event sticks in your mind most?
Ed: “Going back to Goa to visit friends and family”
Different Strokes: What has been your proudest moment and what was the happiest occasion in your life?
Ed: “Proudest moment – When my son joined the Navy; Happiest occasion – The birth of my sons.”
Different Strokes: Since being disabled by your stroke, what do you hope the future will bring?
Ed: “Better health.”
Different Strokes: What is your favourite tipple when available and what do you usually prefer when out with friends?
Ed: “Whisky; Wine.”
Different Strokes: When you were active in the past, what activities did you enjoy most?
Ed: “Socialising with friends.”
Different Strokes: Do you have any particular hobbies/activities you are still able to enjoy?
Ed: “Going Out/Watching television.”
Different Strokes: Which big-screen film has entertained you most; and who was the screen actor/actress you liked most?
Ed: “Film: The big epic movies like Ben Hur; Sophia Loren, Charlton Heston and Richard Burton.”
Different Strokes: Outside of the media of music, films and TV, whom do you admire and respect most?
Ed: “Mother Teresa.”