A WOMAN from Blockley is helping to improve care for stroke victims throughout the country.

Sue Sanders joined hundreds of other stroke survivors to meet key decision makers in a bid to prompt change.

The Stroke Assembly, hosted by The Stroke Association at Birmingham’s Hilton Metropole on the June 27 and 28, included a group of key stroke charities and organisations. Sue was part of a group of Gloucestershire Younger People’s Stroke Network.

The mother of three suffered a stroke in July 2010 when she was 48.

She said: “When you have a stroke you suddenly feel very isolated and alone. It often feels like no one can hear you and nobody really understands how you feel.

“Thankfully I am lucky and do have great support from my family and friends. At the UK Stroke Assembly I had the opportunity to talk to people who have been through similar ordeals to me and we were able to exchange hints, tips and advice on various things which have helped our recoveries.

“I’ve always had lots to say about how my experience both in and out of hospital could have been improved, and that awareness needs to be raised regarding younger people.

"It was great to be able to speak to professionals directly about what could be done to develop the care given to stroke patients in future.”

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association says: “Since the launch of the Stroke Strategy in 2007 tremendous progress has been made in stroke care, especially at the hospital stage.

"However, a lot of work still needs to be done to ensure that every stroke survivor receives the best possible care at all stages of the treatment pathway.”