<div>On January 19th, Steve Wall suffered a major stroke at just 55 years old, a life-changing event that can happen to anyone, without warning.
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<div>Thanks to his strength and the incredible care he received during life-saving surgeries, Steve pulled through. However, the stroke has left him with significant and lasting cognitive, communicative, and physical impairments, as well as a serious loss of vision. He now faces a very different version of daily life when he is able to return home from the neuro rehab hospital unit he is still recovering in. It’s a version of life where even simple things like moving around his home, enjoying his garden, or using the bathroom will become new and difficult challenges.
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<div>While there is a limit to the services the NHS can provide, <strong>we’re hoping to raise funds to help adapt Steve’s home and give him the best possible quality of life going forward</strong>. This includes, but is not limited to:
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<li>Installing a downstairs bathroom
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<li>Making essential modifications for safety
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<li>Reconfiguring the decking area in the garden, so he can safely enjoy time outdoors
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<li>Generally reshaping his home to help him regain some much-needed independence
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<li>Exploring advanced therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy
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<div>At 55, it’s a young age to lose so much independence; made even more heartbreaking by the cruel irony that Steve’s stroke occurred while he was enjoying a gym session, doing something good for his health.
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<div>That said, with the right support and environment, we truly believe Steve can find new strength and confidence in his surroundings alongside his loving wife, children, grandchild, and the many friends and family who have already shown incredible support.
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<div>If you live in Kent, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Kent Weather; Steve’s local weather page on Facebook. For nearly a decade, he’s been posting daily forecasts for free, helping thousands of people plan their days. He’s built a loyal following through nothing but passion and generosity.
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<div>As a family, we’ve already been overwhelmed by your kind words and encouragement since sharing Steve’s story, and now we’re reaching out to his community to see if anyone is able to support his recovery journey.
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<div>Any contribution, big or small, will go directly toward the adaptations and therapies that will help Steve feel safe, supported, and comfortable in his own home. We understand times are tough financially, but if you’re not in a position to donate, please consider sharing this page to help us spread the word, and raise awareness about stroke recovery along the way.
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<div><strong>What Happened to Steve — and What You Should Know</strong>
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<div>Steve’s stroke was a cerebral artery stroke, caused by a carotid artery dissection; a tear in the lining of one of the main arteries in the neck. This tear can allow blood to enter the artery wall, leading to a clot or blockage that may travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
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<div>What makes this condition especially alarming is that it often strikes otherwise healthy individuals, with little or no warning. In Steve’s case, he was active, a regular at the gym, took part in Park Runs (even after a knee replacement), and hadn’t touched alcohol for years.
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<div>A carotid dissection can be triggered by something as seemingly minor as a sudden neck movement, a minor injury, or even without any clear cause at all.
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<div><em>Warning Signs to Watch For:</em>
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<li>Sudden, severe headache or neck pain (often different from a typical headache)
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<li>Dizziness or trouble with balance
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<li>Blurred or double vision
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<li>Slurred speech
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<li>Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
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<li>Drooping on one side of the face
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<li>A pulsing sound in the ear (also called a "whooshing" sound or pulsatile tinnitus)
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<li>Trouble swallowing
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<li>An abnormal sense of taste
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<div>These symptoms can be easy to overlook or mistake for something else, but if you or someone you know experiences any of them, seek emergency medical attention immediately. When it comes to strokes, time is critical.
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<div>Thank you so much for taking the time to read Steve’s story. Whether you choose to donate, share, or simply carry this knowledge forward — you’re helping more than you know.
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<div>With gratitude,
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<div>Steve’s family
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Tina Baseley

Anonymous

Rebecca Dwyer

Karen Luchford

SANDRA JOHNSON

Jade Arnold

Hermes Luli

Carol Stevens

Charlotte Slater

Janice Lewis

Sandra Stewkesbury

Umar Tariq

Christine Allen

Heidi Eastaugh

Help Steve Wall Rebuild Independence After a Major Stroke

Help Steve Wall Rebuild Independence After a Major Stroke

Still £3,242 to go. Help us build momentum.