Sally

After two strokes and a diagnosis of aphasia, Sally’s life changed dramatically. Once independent and active, she now faces daily communication challenges and debilitating fatigue. Yet through small but mighty steps forward, she is rebuilding her confidence and beginning to look ahead.

Life Before Aphasia

Before her stroke, Sally describes a life that was both fulfilling and social, centred around work she loved and time spent with others.

“I had a job as a noise consultant, which I loved doing e.g. assessments and reports. I used to enjoy reading and socialising with my friends and family, and going out - especially for walks at the seaside and in the country.”

The First Stroke and Early Changes

In her mid-thirties, Sally bravely underwent a pituitary operation. Sadly, this led to her experiencing her first stroke. The impact was immediate and long-lasting, affecting both her communication and energy levels.

“I had my first stroke back in 1999. This left me with aphasia and feeling very tired all the time. Due to this, I had to give up full-time work as I was unable to cope.”

Despite having to step away from her career, Sally remained determined to stay active and connected. She found new purpose through volunteering and learning opportunities.

“I volunteered with Barnardo’s for a number of years, and I also trained to help adults learn maths. I worked as a volunteer for Leeds library service too, delivering books to people who had mobility issues. I used to really enjoy this.”

A Second Stroke and Diagnosis

In January 2025, Sally’s life was turned upside down once again when she suffered a brain bleed and collapsed at home. While recovering in hospital, Sally experienced her second stroke. This was an extremely difficult time which saw her face significant challenges and emotional overwhelm.

“I suffered my second stroke whilst recovering from surgery to repair a bleed on my brain. I thought ‘Back to Square One’ again.”

Living with Aphasia

Since her second stroke, Sally has had to make even more adjustments to her daily life. Despite support and intervention from physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, ongoing health difficulties continue to have a huge impact on Sally’s confidence and independence.

“I find speaking and reading the hardest.”

 “I became more dependent on my partner and family for support.”

Like many people living with aphasia, Sally has had to navigate the impact of feeling more isolated. Situations that were once enjoyable can now feel overwhelming.  

“I stopped going out as I found it very difficult being around lots of people and in very noisy situations e.g shopping, going for a meal or a drink, even walking over the park sometimes if it was busy.”

Finding Support and Looking Forward

Wanting to regain some independence and explore what might be possible in the future, Sally reached out to Aphasia Support. With her partner by her side, Sally began attending her local support group. Being around others with similar lived experience quickly made a meaningful difference, helping Sally to form new friendships, develop her communication skills, and begin to find hope for the future.

“I enjoy meeting and speaking with new people who have the same condition as me and seeing how they coped and how they managed to return to doing volunteering and even into paid work.”

“At some point I would like to look at the possibility of doing voluntary work in the future - health permitting.”

This sense of community has helped her begin to rebuild confidence and think about what comes next.

Progress and Achievements

Although recovery is ongoing, Sally is proud of how far she has come, and we can’t echo this more.

“I’m most proud of gaining my mobility back and being able to do things for myself e.g. walking without the support of a stick or frame, navigating around the house, and even cooking.”

“I’m also proud of how well my speech has developed in the past year, but I know I still have a way to go.”

For Sally, the future is about continuing to move forward in small and manageable steps - building confidence, staying connected, and celebrating every achievement along the way. We look forward to seeing Sally continue to grow and take steps towards achieving her goals with strength, determination, and hope for the future.