20/01/2026
Small changes, amazing outcomes!
Before his stroke, Donald was an independent person who enjoyed travelling.
But his life was turned upside down in 2021 when he had an ischaemic stroke.
‘I can’t remember the first few weeks after, just coming around in hospital. It was Covid, and I was on my own.’
The effects were severe. Donald was left with paralysis on his right side, swallowing difficulties, speech and memory problems, and fatigue.
During the pandemic, he was placed in a bedsit with carers, but conditions were appalling.
‘It was horrendous. I didn’t have a proper shower for a year, and I couldn’t get out of the flat.’
His sister, Irene, eventually brought him to live with her, and in 2025, they both participated in the 31 Minutes of Exercise a Day fundraising challenge. This became a huge turning point in Donald’s recovery.
‘The challenge gave me a reason to get up and go every day.’
Physically, the difference was striking.
‘My stroke leg used to be stone cold, but with the exercise, it warmed up. I could walk a bit more with my frame.’
Irene also noticed that the daily exercise was lifting Donald’s spirits.
‘It gave us purpose. We set a time, stuck to it, and it became our thing.'
Donald even brought humour and music into the challenge. While exercising, he would sing “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow,” turning it into his personal anthem.
He loved sharing his journey on the Facebook challenge group, where support poured in.
'The encouragement pushed me to keep going. It wasn’t just about the challenge; it was about being part of something bigger.’
For Donald, fundraising was more than just exercise, it was recovery in action. It gave him motivation, confidence, and connection.
‘We saw such a difference in him. The group was genuine, supportive and friendly. We made real connections and lasting friendships.’
Donald now encourages other stroke survivors to consider fundraising challenges as part of their recovery.
‘Find something to motivate you every day, however small, and stick at it. You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve!’
If like Donald, you want to do good this new year, join Team Stroke and make 2026 count, visit:https://bit.ly/49KJI70