Meet Ben Schelfhaut, a UK based Stroke Survivor and a member of I-REBOUND’s Consumer Advisory Group
Watch as he shares his Lived Experience in Hints and Hacks on the recently launched REBOUND, an innovative ‘After Stroke ‘Web based portal.
Ben Schelfhaut, a Stroke Survivor \{or as we affectionally know him, Belgian Benny\}, resides in Tonbridge in the beautiful historic county of Kent in England.
He sustained a Brain Stem Stroke in January 2016 and since that date has become an enthusiasticadvocate for stroke - both in Australia and the UK.
There is an international flavour to his commitment to stroke advocacy as he frequently participates. in local [Aussie] focus groups, webinars, and discussion groups on stroke – via ZOOM.
Ben's Stroke Story and A chance Meeting in London.
Let’s hearfrom the man himself....
In Ben’s own words he describes his Stroke Story, his meeting with Professor Coralie English inLondon which led to his involvement in the genesis of I-REBOUND as a member of the ConsumerAdvisory Group.
Ben recalls ‘I suffered with a headache from hell for 2 days, before I saw a GP. He diagnosed mewith ear infection, which proved wrong. On day 3 I was admitted at hospital, I suffered a brain stem stroke.
The result: paralysis of the left side, triple vision, and lost the ability to swallow. After years of hardwork, I recovered pretty well.
I met Coralie in London years ago, when she did a talk at the Institute for Neurology and Neuroscience. We had a drink afterwards (might have had 2) and we kinda clicked.
She asked me to participate in I-REBOUND, and so I did. To be honest, there isn’t a lot I wouldn’t dofor her, she is an excellent researcher and leader.’
As part of his advocacy he [like many other Stroke Survivors] willingly shares his Lived Experiencewith local clinicians, researchers and as a member of the CAG made a significant contribution to the development of I-REBOUND.
Belgian Benny -The Video Star.
In this video segment in Hints and Hacks, Ben chats with Dina Pogrebnoy, PhD Manager, I-REBOUND about the changes to his lifestyle because of his stroke.
Other clips have Ben sharing the changes he made to his eating habits after stroke; how cooking can bring you joy after a Stroke.
He also discusses what he finds difficult in the Mediterranean diet and his tips and his passion-
As I have mentioned in my previous blogs, Belgian Benny’s videos are only the tip of the rehabiceberg - click on Hints and Hacks and be amazed at the wealth of useful information available.
Another amazing member of I-REBOUND’S CAG Ms Julie Davey introduces this fascinating sectionand outlines its objective - Enjoy.
All the participants in these clips are Stroke Survivors, whose Lived Experience was eagerly desired,respected and invaluable in developing and creating I-REBOUND.
Lived Experience is that splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the
verdant lettuce and home-grown cherry tomatoes grown
in Le Jardin de Beh. Completes the offering!
The Genesis of I-REBOUND.
The I-REBOUND website has been developed by the Stroke Foundation and the University ofNewcastle and co-designed with Stroke Survivors. It has been designed to reduce the risk of subsequent strokes by providing resources for eating well and moving more.
Professor Coralie English, University of Newcastle, who provides sage and strategic leadership to the I-REBOUND Team introduces the innovative ‘after stroke resource’ and outlines its objectives,
The website was funded by the Stroke Foundation (using funds from the Nancy & Vic Allen StrokePrevention Memorial Fund Grant\}.
‘ 
Why are we, the Consumer Advisory Group, passionate about I-REBOUND.
We few, we happy few’ … with apologies to the Bard and to Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day Speechbefore the Battle of Agincourt, we [the CAG\} are indeed united by a common cause.
Allow me to be introspective for a moment...
I like to call it ‘Giving Back’; to repay the perpetual debt that I owe a group of clinicians, who savedme, nursed me, healed me and pushed me [although I did not need much of that] to what I amtoday.
I apologise if I am being presumptuous in including the other members of the CAG, but I am verysure, they have similar motivations.
If I/we through my/our Lived Experience can make stroke rehab more effective, more real, and relevant.Then I/we have achieved a genuine objective.
I-REBOUND was such an opportunity.
The Grande Buddha would indeed smile on me, and I would ask him to do the same to the other members of CAG.
Remember to keep moving towards the Enlightenment for that is where the Answers do bide.
