A local stroke survivor is raising funds for the stroke ward at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust by tackling a 3km walk for the Stockport NHS Charity.

It was Christmas Day, 2022, when Andy Shaw collapsed in the early hours of the morning with a stroke that would render him unable to move the left side of his body.

He had gone to bed to "wait for Santa" with a blinding headache, before collapsing and waking his wife, Bernadette, who called an ambulance.

Andy was healthy and active, having served in both the army and the police force.

He was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, where he had surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. Regrettably, the procedure didn't go to plan, with the clot initially proving too big to be removed. Another operation was required to remove part of Andy's skull, a process that was likely to leave him severely disabled.

Andy spent his recovery at Stepping Hill Hospital, run by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, on the E1 stroke ward.

He told the trust that: "Everybody was dead nice. The volunteers were brilliant, and every single member of staff took the time to get to know me. I think I was the nurses' favourite."

Bernadette also proclaimed their brilliance throughout their journey, adding that "It was a stressful time, but the staff made it so much easier. They let us order pizzas on a Friday, and we spent lots of time sat out in the ward garden on nice days."

Andy said "When you have a stroke, it's like your life stops. But coming onto the ward, it's like it started again."

They both agree he has a good quality of life now, where he is able to get dressed, communicate with his wife and family and spend plenty of time with his grandchildren.

Now, Andy is ready to take on a challenge in aid of the ward that aided him through one of his most difficult journeys.

He has been working with both his walking group, and a personal trainer specialising in stroke survivors, to work towards walking 3km in hopes of raising money for Stockport NHS Charity.

The money raised, already totalling £1,500, will go toward improving facilities for patients in the stroke ward.

Speaking on his training, Andy remarked that "walking outside without a stick, it's very scary, very wobbly. But my trainer always said he'd get me walking again. And the stroke ward gave me the tools to do it."

Bernadette expressed her joy at improvements in his mobility, saying the "difference is amazing."

Members of Andy's family, along with his friends, are expecting to join him on his walk. Staff members who contributed to his recovery are also set to take part.

"I want people to know that I'm working hard and I'm going to do it. I'm nervous, I'll be tired, and I don't know how long it will take me, but I'm confident I can do it."

Kate Leadbeater, Stockport NHS Charity Manager, says "We're incredibly grateful that Andy has decided to commit to this challenge for our charity.

"It's a testament to the hard work of our incredible staff, who make a difference to patients like Andy every single day. He's doing an amazing job with his training, and we'll be rooting for him all the way to the end!"

You can support Andy's fundraising by clicking here.

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