Volunteer Story (9) - Sheila

On a lovely summer’s day in late September 2008, we packed the cats and moved from Bedford to Rhewl. My husband had retired and we were looking forward to living in a lovely area, walking and exploring the countryside and coast.

Unfortunately it was not to be – after the hustle and bustle of unpacking, we had a lovely Christmas in our new home and then in early January my husband had a heart attack, followed by a stroke 4 days later.

Our lives changed almost overnight. I had to give up my job and become a full time Carer and my husband, who was known as “ Action Man” had to adjust to a very sedentary lifestyle. It was not easy!

Fortunately my husband relearned how to walk and his daughter suggested that he joined the Positive Action for Strokes club , which meets on Wednesday in the Community Centre in Rhuddlan.

We went along and were made very welcome. The members were very friendly and as most of them were stroke sufferers, my husband was able to communicate and to share experiences with like minded people.

Originally my husband’s day out, enabled me to have some time to myself. However I was soon roped in as a Volunteer and 7years down the road, I am still there.

Volunteering has given me a new lease of life. After working full time for forty years becoming a Carer, was a major change and the Stroke Club has satisfied a need for companionship and also a need to give support and help to others .I would strongly encourage others to try volunteering.