PERSONAL STORIES - STROKE SURVIVORS & CARERS Updated 28.1.09
Q: What is the kindest and most appropriate definition of our Carer?
A: "The wind beneath my wings " Bette Midler.
Some of the 'uninitiated' might quite well in all innocence believe that the Carers 'debility' is in direct proportion to the level of brain damage to their spouse, or partner. That couldn't be further from the truth. That is why it is desired to create a new section proportional to this one; where the Carers can themselves reveal the facts behind how they have fared in their traumatic lives turned upside down by this cruel fate.
Firstly here we feature 10 Survivors of the Different Strokes Portsmouth group. "However it must not be ignored, the contribution that our Carers make not only in personal support; but also in their voluntary work on activities, events and as members of the Group's Committee. At this time (June 2008) Andy's partner, Di Summers is the very hard working Group Secretary; and Doug's wife, Lorraine is the ex officio Assistant Treasurer. Not to forget the other carers/helpers. Without them all; there would be no Portsmouth Group. Well done! "
All of the survivors have moved on in their lives with some measure of success since suffering from their particular type of Stroke:
Andy Long: Served with 2 Parachute Regiment for nine years,
then five years in the Reserves and 19 years in the TA - split
between the RCT & 160 Rgt (RLC). In 1998 he became Manager
of a Landfill Site with Sita UK. He is the "members' representative" on the Group's Committee.
Carolyn Haldenby: Born and bred in Portsmouth, Carolyn 
spent her working life as a hairdresser, starting straight from school at the age of 15. She retired in 1983 after 24 years of hairdressing.
In the years following discharge fron Haslar hospital, Carolyn faced further challenges; but which she has bravely overcome and returned to her home in Hilsea where she feels an independent person once more.
Derek Ashburner: 67 years old. Derek was born in Darlington, County Durham; way up in the North East of England. He was a Sales Director of a Construction Company until 1997. He suffered a Stroke in January last year. Over a number of years Derek lived and worked in Iran. His working knowledge of the language has proven to be very helpful in that one of our group is a native of that country. He and his wife lived in Buckinghamshire before moving further south to Fareham. Although he no longer drives his car; Derek does use a bicycle to attend our group swimming sessions at Fareham Leisure Centre just a few streets away from his new home. His celebral aptitude is a welcome asset to the group .
Diana Vincent Another lady born and bred in Portsmouth; Diana worked as a School Cook for 24 years before retiring. Similar to Carolyn, as a true dedicated worker. Diana's stroke has initially confined her to a wheelchair. However, this very determined lady has ignored the doubts and is striving to recover as much as possible. She is to be applauded for the dedication and effort she puts into both exercise and swimming classes. To see her up on her feet is inspiring.
Diana's husband Roger, has a wicked sense of humour which is appreciated by the other survivors and carers too.
Stop Press: Diana returned to the group exercise session on Wednesday 2nd July 2008 following a heart attack. "Welcome back Diana"
Also a true native of Portsmouth; Di worked for many years as a Sales Co-ordinator right up to becoming the next Stroke survivor in 2007. Despite her own personal challenges, Di has presented a bubbly personality which helps maintain a good atmosphere in the activities she regularly attends. Her husband Rich in her words, "Has been my rock". Their home is in the northern part of the city's outer suburbs. (Click on her picture above right, to see the original photograph taken in Australia in the year 2004)
Dorothy Mew (Awaiting picture) Dorothy worked for many years as a Finance Clerk. Originally a native of Hedge End, Southampton but now resident in Portchester.
A keen lady darts player in the past, Dorothy enjoys handicrafts and some sociallising; but keeps fit by attending both our exercise and swimming classes, despite other health issues.
Doug Laybourne Originally from Tyneside; Doug served in the 
Royal Navy 22 years, then Hampshire Social Services for almost 4 years, followed by just over 14 years in the Prison Service. At the age of 60 he commenced p/time work as a telephone interviewer at the Office for National Statistics, Titchfield in September 2000. He retired from paid work there in January 2007 at the age of 67 .He is also the DS Portsmouth Group Treasurer. Doug upholds "the supremacy of the British Constitution", and is active in supporting that principle.
Born in Goa in 1940, Ed worked as a chef in the Royal Navy,
the Civil Service and many years on North Sea rigs as Head Chef. He is gregarious but reserved; no doubt very much a family man. Ed joins in all of our activities. He and his wife Pecicea (or just Pess for short), reside in Portsmouth. They holiday in Goa to keep in touch with family and friends.
Mark Cookson: Originally from Derby; 33 year old Mark is one of our younger group members. He resides in Portsmouth with his partner and children. Mark gained qualifications as a chef prior to being tragically struck down. He had recently been attending the Horizon Centre in Cosham where he was brushing up on computer skills. That was interrupted by a DVT in his left leg. We all wish him a full recovery and best wishes for the future.
35 year old Paul was born
in Epping, Essex. He now resides in Purbrook near Waterlooville.
13 months ago he suffered a brain tumour causing symptoms similar to those of post-Stroke.
He has attended our exercise classes and joined in with us on our skittle evenings.
When not out walking and socialising with friends and family, Paul enjoys home computing. He will be 36 in February 2009.
PERSONAL STORIES - STROKE CARERS Coming shortly