My name is Claire, and on the 2nd of June 2023, a day of utter nightmares happened. I had an AVM ‘Arteriovenous Malformation’ which ruptured, causing a bleed, therefore causing a stroke. I had to have multiple brain procedures to save my life. It’s left me with left-sided weakness, cognitive problems, dizziness, and partial sight. On leaving the hospital, I was isolated, alone, and living in my bedroom. The only way I can describe it was, I felt like a prisoner in my own home and my mind. I was in darkness and couldn’t see a way out… I had lost myself. I then met the lovely ladies from ‘Hartlepool Vision Support’ who started my rehabilitation with a long cane, aids for around the home and group therapies. Wow! Those ladies gave me hope and light from the very first day. They brought me out of the dark place I was in, I’d broken out of jail. Now I’m going out, motivated and free. If I had to call them a name, it would be ‘angels’ they gave me the life that I lead today! I’ll never be able to repay them for their help and support and giving me a life back but I’m going to start by saying a

massive THANK YOU!

Claire.

“This work has helped me understand what I can manage to take charge of in my life again.”

“I have taken back the me I was before my health overtook my life.”

“I couldn’t have asked for more than what I have received from HVS”.

“I took my grandchildren for a walk to the park for the first time unaccompanied”

“This training has helped me feel I’m me again”