A Margate man whose high blood pressure contributed to him having a stroke is warning others to check theirs – it could save their life.
John Glover, said: “Don’t end up like I did. People think that ‘nothing’s going to happen to me’ and then bang!”
He is sharing his story in support of the Stroke Association’s Stroke Prevention Day awareness campaign today (January 30).
John, a 72-year-old retired carpenter, was at home with wife Maralyn when he had his stroke in March 2022.
“I walked down the hall leaning against the wall. When I realised I couldn’t open the fridge, I knew something was wrong. I tried to speak to Maralyn but I was just mumbling.
“She was a dental nurse for 30 years. She took one look one look at me, said ‘you’re having a stroke’, put me straight into the car and then to QEQM Hospital.”
John was treated quickly but the stroke has left him with aphasia – difficulty with communication – and difficulty with fine motor skills on his left side.
“I was frightened of everything at first; weak and tearful. I was like a toddler. I stumbled and mumbled but with help from local groups and constant muscle flexing I’m getting better.
“I actually knew I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol before my stroke, and I was trying to be healthy by exercising but obviously I wasn’t doing enough. I didn’t know that I had diabetes and that was also a factor.
“They say ignorance is bliss but knowledge is power, so get your blood pressure checked!
“I was probably fitter and stronger than the average 70 year old and I liked to cycle and go to sea in my kayak.”
John was supported by the Stroke Association’s East Kent Stroke Recovery Service, attending a communication group to help with his aphasia and build his confidence.
He said: “I also have balance issues, and fitness dance at Fit Steps with Jill in Margate has made a massive difference for me over the last 18 months.”
Findings from the Stroke Association charity show that 36% of people who have experience of, and therefore a connection, to stroke don’t know that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for the condition.
The Stroke Association has found that awareness levels are even lower amongst people who don’t have such a connection to stroke, with 43% not knowing that high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke.
There are 1.4 million people in the UK who are survivors of stroke and someone has a stroke every five minutes, with high blood pressure accounting for around half of those.
Stroke survivors are frequently left with physical and mental disabilities including paralysis, problems with vision, difficulties swallowing and a struggle to communicate.
Nick O’Donohue, the Stroke Association’s associate director for the South East, said: “Around 100,000 people in the UK have a stroke every year. Worryingly, this has been increasing over the last 20 years, particularly amongst people of working age.
“The lives of the 90,000 people who survive stroke every year in the UK change in an instant as the condition impacts on their ability to live physically and mentally well.
“It is vital that everyone knows what can cause a stroke, so they can proactively look after their health to reduce the risk. We’re encouraging adults of any age to get their blood pressure checked on a regular basis. This will equip them with knowledge on whether they are at risk of having a stroke so that they can take steps to reduce their chances, if required.”
Find out more at www.stroke.org.uk/stroke-prevention-day
Active: John enjoyed kayaking on the sea before his stroke
Alert: John with his wife Maralyn, who instantly knew he was having a stroke
Sadly you will not be taken to Margate now-it is off to Canterbury.
That’s a wiser choice, Suspended. QEQM is an abbatoir.
None of the pharmacists in Northdown Road have defibulastors including Boots when it was open, disgraceful. The exceptions are the Gym and Gloria’s Café.
Have just seen local TV news featuring John at a dance group. Looks good – any idea where it is?