UK Stroke Forum | Stories not statistics

Breaking the Snooze-fest Spell

Ever been to a conference that's like watching paint dry? Well, welcome to the world of scientific gatherings, IMO. But, right now, let me tell you about the time I crashed the UK Stroke Forum 2022 – and boy did we stir things up!

Mission: Humanising Healthcare

As I poised myself to start, I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. Here I was, a stroke survivor with a story to tell, ready to flip the script at a conference that usually drowns in jargon. My session? "Humanising Healthcare." Yep, you heard right – I was about to sprinkle some life and laughter into the mix.

Surviving Strokes and Cracking Jokes

My mission? To shake up perceptions and show that humour and healing can go hand in hand. From navigating struggles to cooking up solutions, I dished out my journey in a way that left the room nodding, chuckling, and whether I'm actually using this exposure and experience to try and break into stand-up comedy.

Language Matters, Like A Lot

The spotlight was on me, and I wasn't about to waste it. I dove into the nitty-gritty of language in healthcare – how a well-timed quip can make all the difference, or how a thoughtless phrase can knock the wind out of you. I shared my encounters with healthcare pros and how their words shaped my journey. Spoiler alert: the right words can turn "Oops, I slipped over again" into "Watch me make this balance beam my b**ch!"

Feedback Flurry: Pats on the Back and Thumbs Up

You know you've struck a chord when tweets start raining down like confetti. @UKStrokeForum shouted out my struggle with being seen after my stroke at 24. Then, folks like @MadelineCruice and @rose_mirandaros joined the party, calling me a national treasure and a future stand-up sensation. Honestly, I was blushing – but I guess that's what happens when you mix heart with humour.

Beyond the Laughter: A Message of Healing

When the curtain fell on this presentation, my hope was that I wasn't just another presenter – I was a messenger. A messenger of stories, lessons, and a sprinkle of cheeky charm. The UK Stroke Forum 2022 wasn't just another conference; it was a haven for change-makers, a stage for stories, and a chance for me to prove that humour and healing are like peanut butter and jelly – they just work.

What's Next? More Laughs, More Healing

Whether I'm cracking jokes or sharing stroke stories, I'm in this for the long haul. There's a world out there that needs a touch of humour, a dose of hope, and a whole lot of healing. And I'm up for the challenge – because beyond the applause, the tweets, and the conference buzz, there's a journey ahead for us all to share, and I'm here to navigate it, one punchline at a time.

Full Program: https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/defau... •••