A West Lothian grandfather has embarked on a world tour to show that there is life after stroke.
Gary Greenan, from Broxburn, suffered two minor strokes followed by two major strokes and developed aphasia in 2021.
Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to specific areas of the brain that control the expression and understanding of language, the same condition that Hollywood actor Bruce Willis suffered from.
Gary, 61, is being supported in his recovery by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and proves it is possible to live a full life after a stroke after going on a round-the-world tour with his wife Anne. I set out to do that.
Gary spoke about his recovery fight as part of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Christmas Appeal.
As part of the appeal, CHSS supporters were invited to share their wishes with Gary and his family. As a result, he has acquired a large number of cards and plans to take those messages with him on his travels.
“I read all the lovely cards that were sent to me after I took part in the Christmas appeal and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
“I think the sentiment behind them was that they should be on our Christmas tree next year, but we don’t know exactly where we’ll be at Christmas.
“But we have a pretty good idea that we’ll probably be in Sydney.
“All of these cards that you sent Anne and I with your best wishes will be placed one by one next to the plane.
“We put them in a case and they will travel with me and Anne. Even without the tree they will still be with us in Sydney this Christmas. Probably.
“Thank you for all the support you have given me and all I can say is I hope we have a fun journey!”
Gary and Anne have traveled all over Italy and earlier this week they toured Sicily and climbed Mount Etna.
Gary said: We were at an altitude of 2,200 meters and the air was a little thin and breathing was a little difficult, but we made it. ”
Gary suffered a heart attack, two minor strokes and two full strokes, and lost muscle in his left hand, making it difficult for him to speak. And Stroke Scotland supported his recovery.
He said: “I’m a husband, father, grandfather, and now a stroke survivor. But I’m still Gary, and I’m still fighting to find my way back to being ‘me’ again.” Every day is a challenge because I get to meet a new me every day.
“There’s a lot of the old Gary left in me. We both believe that life is not a rehearsal.
“Thanks to support from Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, the new Gary is learning to live again and take advantage of new opportunities. However, with restrictions, the old me has no need to worry. There was no.”
To keep up with Gary’s Life After Stroke World Trip, visit Life After Stroke World Trip on Instagram, Facebook, and Linktree.
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