Darren's Story

From goal to goal, regaining control

Darren’s journey of recovery after a stroke has included parkruns with his daughter, boxing sessions and walking football. It shows what’s possible - one step at a time.

"I’m living a much healthier lifestyle than I used to and I feel better for it."

Three years ago, Darren’s life took an unexpected turn when he had a stroke at home. Darren will be forever grateful to his partner at the time, who by performing CPR, saved his life.

On arrival at the hospital, scans revealed that he had experienced a brain haemorrhage, and he was put in an induced coma for ten weeks. Medical professionals didn’t think he was going to make it, but Darren made it through.

On being discharged from hospital, he had limited mobility and lived a sedentary lifestyle which he said caused him to gain weight. Darren’s stroke had an impact on his mental health and wellbeing too, as he experienced anxiety after not getting outside of his house much for almost eighteen months.

How Darren moves more

Darren’s journey to moving more began with the support of the stroke rehabilitation team who helped him to learn to walk again, improve his fitness, and overcome his anxiety by building movement into his daily life, such as walking to the local shops with him to buy food.  

Darren's life then took a positive turn when he joined a weight management programme organised by his local Football Club Community Trust. Following this course, he joined the Trust’s 'walk and talk' sessions. These sessions played a pivotal role in improving his mental health and wellbeing, engaging in group activities enabled him to meet new people and gradually boosted his confidence.

As he continued attending these sessions, Darren saw a noticeable improvement in his physical fitness as well. The gradual increases in his stamina and pace over time even allowed him to partake in his local parkrun with his young daughter, forming a stronger bond between them.

After a setback in Darren's running journey, he discovered walking football. His commitment to activity has led him to take part in different sessions at various locations on a weekly basis.

Darren also participates in circuit training and boxing sessions to continue to help him improve his coordination. He’s also found a rewarding way to be active through volunteering at his local food bank by assisting with loading and unloading trucks, serving food, and carrying bags, which all keep Darren moving whilst giving back to his community.

How Darren feels now

The benefits of being active are not limited to fitness; moving more helps him relax and sleep better. It has also strengthened his relationship with his daughter as they enjoy walking in the countryside together.  

Darren chooses to embrace life with a positive outlook and tries to live each day to the full. For him, being active has become a form of therapy.  He acknowledges that taking part in the vast range of physical activity opportunities provided by his local Football Club Community Trust have played a key factor in his journey to better health.  “I’m living a much healthier lifestyle than I used to and I feel much better for it”, he exclaims.

Resources

Back to the stories