Living a different life after stroke

Quick actions of others was important for survivors' recovery

Having the assurance that someone is there to support you and your family during some of the most difficult times in life is an amazing thing to have.

These are the thoughts of some of the stroke survivors in Co Galway who have been on a path of recovery with the support of Croí Galway and the Irish Heart Foundation, three who have kindly shared their personal stories with The Tuam Herald.

A year ago, Denis Judge wouldn’t have known much about the Irish Heart Foundation and its services, however a sudden stroke changed a lot of things for him.

Denis suffered a stroke in July last year. The immediate response of his son Joshua and partner Renate Kohlmann saved his life.

Greg Kelly from Bishop Street in Tuam suffered a stroke 15 years ago and is still on his journey of recovery.

It all started with a headache while driving home from Co. Clare which Greg ignored by just going to bed. However, the next morning he was shocked when he saw himself in the mirror.

Another stroke survivor from Cortoon, Tuam is Kitty Flaherty. She had just enjoyed a holiday in Greece with her husband and daughter when she had a stroke while sitting at the airport for her return flight.

Read the full feature in The Tuam Herald