Norfolk stroke survivor urges others to “know the signs” as Stroke Association brings free information event to county

Norfolk stroke survivor Rupert Greest is encouraging people to take their health seriously and learn the signs of stroke as the Stroke Association brings its Stroke Information Live event to the county this September.

The Stroke Information Live – Norfolk & Suffolk event will take place at Norfolk County Showground on Tuesday 22 September, bringing together people affected by stroke, their families and carers, and health and care professionals to share information, advice and support.

For Rupert, 56, from Wymondham, the event will be an opportunity to share his own experience and speak to others about life after stroke.

A former rugby player who spent years working in the agricultural machinery industry, Rupert considered himself fit, healthy and strong. But in March 2024, he woke in the middle of the night with a severe headache and found that he could barely walk. The left side of his body was weak and covered in pins and needles.

His partner Joanne immediately recognised that something was seriously wrong and called 999. Rupert was taken to hospital, where scans confirmed he had experienced a mini stroke.

Although he appeared to have recovered the following morning and was discharged, Rupert suffered another mini stroke the next day. He was subsequently treated at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, spending 10 days in A&E before undergoing rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

The physical impact was significant. Rupert had to relearn how to walk and use his left hand and was unable to work for nine months.

With support from his family, the NHS, physiotherapists and the Stroke Association, Rupert has continued to rebuild his life. He is now a qualified forklift instructor and certifier for farm machinery, allowing him to work more locally and reduce the travel and stress that had been part of his previous career.

Rupert said: “The stroke was like a line in the sand. I was at a crossroads – do I carry on with the stress and the travel, or do I finally take the step I’d always wanted to take and work for myself? I chose the latter.”

The experience has also changed Rupert’s attitude towards his health. He had been told he had high blood pressure just months before his stroke, but admits he did not take it seriously enough at the time.

His blood pressure is now under control and he monitors it himself.

Rupert is particularly keen to raise awareness among people working in farming and other physically demanding industries, where he believes people may sometimes assume that being active means they are protected from serious health problems.

Rupert said: “I thought I was fit, healthy and strong because I’d played rugby. I thought I was indestructible. But stroke can affect anyone.”

Rupert has received support from several members of the Stroke Association team, helping him navigate the questions and uncertainty that came with his recovery.

He said: “The Stroke Association has been brilliant. I’ve had three or four members of staff helping me, answering questions and giving me support when I needed it.”

Now Rupert wants to use his experience to help others. During his recovery, he saw other stroke survivors in hospital who were unable to walk or talk and who sometimes appeared to have nobody there to speak for them.

Rupert said: “What I’m trying to do now is talk for the people who can’t. I’m telling their story. I want to represent those who can’t advocate for themselves.”

Rupert will be attending Stroke Information Live and is happy to speak to other people affected by stroke about his experience.

Louise Hornagold, Engagement Lead at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, and Rupert’s story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change. Knowing the signs of stroke and acting quickly can make a huge difference, while getting the right support afterwards can help people rebuild their lives.

“We’re delighted to be bringing Stroke Information Live to Norfolk and Suffolk. The event is a chance for people affected by stroke, their families and professionals to come together, ask questions, find out about support and connect with others who understand what life after stroke can be like. We’re particularly grateful to Rupert for sharing his experience and helping us raise awareness of stroke across Norfolk.”

Despite making a remarkable physical recovery, Rupert says the emotional impact of his stroke has been harder to leave behind. For some time, he was frightened of going to sleep because of the fear of having another stroke.

Today, he is focused on moving forward, taking his health seriously and using his experience to encourage others to do the same.

His message is simple: “Don’t assume it can’t happen to you. Listen to your body, take your health seriously and know the signs of a stroke.”

The event will provide information, advice and support for people affected by stroke, including stroke survivors, families and carers, as well as opportunities to connect with organisations and professionals.

For more information and to find out how to attend, visit:
https://events.stroke.org.uk/event/stroke-information-live-norfolk-and-suffolk