Today for the second consecutive year

I spoke about my Stroke Story, my Insights and Learnings, and my burgeoning involvement in Stroke Advocacy, Research activities [both here and in the UK].

Readers of my blogs should be aware of [at least I hope] of the wide range of activities that I am involved in - part of my Giving Back strategy.

The lecture was conducted on ZOOM and the reception that I was accorded by the students was tremendous.

We went over time by 45 minutes, such was the level of interest and the wide range of questions that was generated -which I had pleasure in answering.

One of my key points to these future clinicians was the value of Lived Experience that is available from Stroke Survivors and how useful it has become in terms of clinical research and development/refinement of rehabilitation services.

I also spoke about the University’s role in the development of I-REBOUND, an innovative web-based portal which provides ‘After Stroke Care’ to Stroke Survivors.

I was a member of the Consumer Advisory Group which supplied the vital ingredient-Lived Experience.

I have been undertaking this activity at various universities for seven years and have spoken to in excess of 1000 students.

I reflected to today’s audience that my speaking journey commenced because of a simple request from Doctor Simone Dorsch,Senior lecturer at the Australian Catholic University who was visiting Bankstown Rehab Gym in 2016 during my 4-month tenure as a patient following my stroke.

“I would like you to come and talk about your stroke to my students “was the catalyst for what has become a satisfying, yet humbling journey.

My activities have grown to such an extent that my daughter has suggested I employ a PA to manage my diary- I was hopeless when I was in the corporate world.

So, nothing has changed!

And I continue to be blown away by the quality, intellect, and dedication of these future clinicians.

It augurs well for the future of Stroke Rehabilitation in this country, and I was proud and pleased and privileged to be a small part of their development.

As I have often stated – this is a perk of having a stroke -and a perk I treasure