Suzie's journey: From pregnancy stroke survivor to NHS volunteer

She was rushed to hospital where medics stabilised her and delivered unexpected news – unbeknown to Suzie, she was a month pregnant. She spent six weeks in intensive care before being transferred to a recovery ward where she remained for a further six months. The stroke left her unable to speak and with paralysis across the right side of her body. When her son Kyle was born following a c-section, it came as a huge relief to Suzie and her medical team that he was healthy.

But, as she continued her slow recovery, Suzie had a mountain to climb – not only in terms of regaining her mobility and speech, but also adapting to life as a disabled single mum.

“My whole world was turned upside down,” explains Suzie. “As well as losing so much physical functionality and the ability to talk, I was also left unable to read or write – it was incredibly isolating and hard to come to terms with.”

Suzie had to sell her flat and move back in with her parents, as the impact of the stroke meant that couldn’t live independently, let alone cope with a baby by herself. She received intensive occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and specialist help with her speech. Ever so slowly, she began to see improvements.

“I just had to keep going. There was no choice. It was incredibly hard, and some days were very bleak, but having my son gave me the motivation to dig deep and I was fortunate to have incredible support from friends and family.”

Doctors established that Suzie’s stroke was caused by an arteriovenous malformation in her brain – and abnormal tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins. She had unknowingly had the condition from birth.

Her physical challenges left Suzie unable to return to work. A single parent, she focused on caring for Kyle and giving him as normal an upbringing as possible, in and amongst the myriad of medical appointments and continual rehab.

Two years ago, Suzie was made aware of volunteering opportunities at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen – a place where she had herself received treatment and care. She applied to be a ‘patient befriender’.

In 2023, Suzie was made aware of volunteering opportunities at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen – a place where she had herself received treatment and care. She applied to be a ‘patient befriender’.

“It just seemed like the perfect way to give back to the NHS for all of the amazing care I’ve received over the years,” explained Suzie. “I’ve always been someone who enjoys helping other people – even before I had the stroke – and so it felt like a great fit.”

Once a week Suzie spends time talking to patients, listening to their concerns and sharing her own experiences. As well as helping to overcome the feeling of isolation that patients often experience when spending long periods in hospital, Suzie’s work helps to free-up nursing staff and therapists, enabling them to focus on delivering essential clinical care.

“I feel that I can completely empathise with the patients because I’ve been in their situation. Usually, they are at the beginning of their recovery journey and struggling to see how things will improve. I’m able to reassure them that recovery is possible, with hard work, commitment, determination, and of course time.”

Suzie has supported numerous patients and hopes to go on helping hundreds more in the years ahead.

“Volunteering is one of the best things I’ve ever done. As well as gaining satisfaction from helping people to make sense of the situation they find themselves in, I gain a tremendous sense of purpose. Volunteering has also helped to expand my horizons – I get to meet people of all ages and from all walks of life, and they all have interesting stories to tell.”

Suzie has clear advice for anyone considering volunteering.

“Just do – it’s something you’ll never regret . Reaching out to your local hospital is a great place to start. There are so many roles available, enabling you to find your niche. It’s a chance to be part of something truly special.”

Inspired by tens and thousands of volunteers like Suzie, who wish to volunteer for the NHS to give back, Helpforce has launched a three-year campaign 'Giving Back, Transforming Care' to inspire national conversations, foster deeper public engagement and shift perceptions of healthcare volunteering from a 'nice to have' to a strategic imperative. Learn more about this ambitious campaign here.