My Father had a stroke in 2018. Fortunately he got to hospital FAST which enabled him to get clot-busting treatment to reduce the disabling effects of his stroke – he was able to walk again. This treatment, ‘thrombolysis’ is now being used widely in Scotland and across the world thanks to research undertaken by many including world-leading Scottish stroke researchers.
As a result of the pandemic, the Stroke Association has had to halve its budget for stroke research. This is a concern as I know that research saves lives and improves stroke recoveries. No-one wants to have a stroke or live with its effects.
And as stroke numbers continue to rise, the need for stroke research has never been more vital.
I have seen the devastation of stroke as well as the treatment breakthroughs, and believe stroke research can and will let people live the best life they can.
Angie MacLeod is a stroke survivor who works for the Stroke Association in Scotland, but is writing here in a personal capacity.