Golfers urged to play for stroke survivors this Stroke Awareness Month

A stroke survivor is calling on golfers to dust off their golf clubs and hit the course to help raise vital funds to support stroke survivors.

Daniel Martin, 42 from Bedfordshire, is supporting the Stroke Association as it launches Golf for Stroke, where golfers can host a Stroke play tournament during May for Stroke Awareness Month.

Daniel suffered a stroke in July 2021, causing significant physical, visual and cognitive problems and has since faced the long and gruelling journey of stroke recovery and managing his mental health.

“At first, I couldn’t believe I’d had a stroke,” said Daniel. “A stroke was one of those things I stereotyped with the elderly. I was 39, not 89. I thought I wasn’t the sort of bloke to have a stroke. I was fit and healthy, doing a physical job; I thought I was bulletproof.”

He added: “When the physiotherapists told me it was likely I would remain wheelchair-bound and require significant care for the rest of my life, I was devastated. Before the stroke I was an avid golfer, a keen walker and in the middle of an exciting house renovation with my wife.

“Facing my new reality – brain damage, visual impairment, limb paralysis – was a challenging adjustment. I realised stroke recovery was going to be the biggest battle of my life.”

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Daniel received support from the Stroke Association in his recovery and is extremely thankful for the support it has provided.

Of course, he has his sights on returning to the greens.

He said: “Currently, I’m trying to walk around my home and garden without a walking stick. I want to play golf again so one of my friends, a golf coach, is helping me practise with my strong arm.

“I’m sort of playing backhanded now. It’s a whole new style that I’ve had to learn. I’d like to keep perfecting this and play more.

“Recovery is possible, but you have to believe it. I know, medically speaking, I might never get back what I had before, but I will try my hardest to enjoy life with this second chance that I’ve been given.”

Every day in the UK over 240 people wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke, which can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak, or even swallow.

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While golfers can fundraise throughout the year, Golf for Stroke takes place during May.

To take part, sign up today to receive a fundraising pack, packed with ideas, advice, and an exclusive golf competition for Stroke Awareness Month.

Amy Spencer, Mass Participation Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “There are 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, and everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke.

“Golf for Stroke aims to raise money to help support stroke survivors who are facing a long and gruelling journey to recovery, as well as honour loved ones who have lost their lives to stroke.

“By taking part, you will be part of the team helping us to continue the work that we do, such as funding stroke support services and researching better treatments, care and rehabilitation.”

To find out more, visit the website.