I have since looked at Richard’s website http://www.simplesite.com/richard-ford and wanted to share his story and perhaps encourage others to donate. If this can happen to such a fit 41 year old man then it can happen to any of us and it is wonderful if we can help in any small way.

On the 9th June 2012 Richard became the victim of a debilitating, devastating brain stem stroke. His fitness, age and true grit determination made him a survivor and fighter. He was a super fit marathon runner, footballer, junior football coach, skilled Detective Constable, fantastic Daddy to three young boys and wife to Jude. Richard collapsed on the floor at home. He had been suffering from a severe headache all morning, he popped a few pills and went back to bed. The ambulance was called once Harry, (Richard’s son) who was seven, alerted Jude to the fact that Daddy was calling her name from the bathroom. He was lying on the floor, speech slurred, arms outstretched towards her, mouth drooped. Richard’s brain was deprived of oxygen for approximately eight hours until the blood flow was successfully restored to his brain following a successful retrieval of a clot. During the days that followed it was clear that Richard was there, locked inside his own body. He began to communicate slowly by blinking his eyes, once for no and twice for yes. Being locked in was the Consultants worst fear as often people can live the rest of their lives mentally intact but living trapped inside a body that just doesn’t work.

The journey since then has been a rollercoaster but his family welcomed Richard back home on the 4th March 2013. Things haven’t been complete bliss but as the weeks go by Richard is definitely improving, getting stronger, gaining back the 2 stone in weight that he lost, his hair seems thicker again and shiny, his eyes brighter and his manner is as upbeat and determined as ever. Richard is now using a stand aid and doesn’t need to be hoisted in transit as he was in hospital. He now eats anything, which is a far cry from the days of being peg fed and more recently pureed mush! His vice is a Friday night Dominoes pizza!!

This is an amazing and uplifting story of hope, faith and belief. Richard is not alone and has asked me to highlight the inspirational Kate Allatt and the charity she set up after suffering a similar brain stem stroke to him, fighting strokes.

By Cathy Parry

Cathy Parry is the owner of two holiday cottages set alongside the picturesque River Wharfe. You can view them on her website www.riversidegrassington.co.uk and connect via Facebook www.facebook.com/RiversideGrassington.

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