Darren’s journey of recovery after a stroke has included walking football, running with his daughter, boxing sessions and more. It shows what is possible – one step at a time.
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 the 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 well-being, too, as he experienced anxiety after not getting outside of his house much for almost eighteen months.
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 Blackpool Football Club Community Trust. Following this course, he joined our ‘walk and talk’ sessions in Stanley Park. These sessions played a pivotal role in improving his mental health and well-being. Engaging in group activities enabled him to meet new people and gradually boosted his confidence.
“I’m living a much healthier lifestyle than I used to and I feel better for it.”
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 every week. Darren also participates in circuit training and boxing sessions to continue improving his coordination. He’s also found a rewarding way to stay active by volunteering at our food bank, where he assists with loading and unloading trucks, serving food, and carrying bags, all of which keep Darren moving whilst giving back to his community.
Dave Maclean, Active Through Football Manager at Blackpool FC Community Trust, said:
“We’re so proud of what Darren has achieved. His story is a real reminder of how important it is to know your numbers and get your blood pressure checked. Small steps into physical activity can lead to life-changing results. Through programmes like MAN v FAT and our community sessions, we see every week how moving more not only improves physical health but also mental wellbeing and confidence. Working alongside our partners to spread these heart health messages means we can reach more people and help prevent others going through what Darren did.”
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 Blackpool Football Club Community Trust has played a key role in his journey to better health.
Did you know?
If your blood pressure is too high, it narrows the blood vessels and can increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks, angina, heart failure and other long term health conditions. Having a blood pressure check and ‘Knowing Your Numbers’ is incredibly important. Blood pressure checks is one of the many services Blackpool FC Community Trust provide for free. If you’d like to have your blood pressure checked, please pop down to the North Stand Community Hub stadium on a Tuesday from 1:30 – 2:15pm or visit your local pharmacy.
Where to get support:
Healthy Hearts is a Lancashire campaign dedicated to supporting people living with heart, and other long term health conditions, to move more in a way that works for them.
If you’d like to read more inspirational stories like Darren’s, please visit https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/healthy-hearts/
If you are living with (or at risk of developing) a long-term health condition and would like to improve your health and wellbeing by becoming more active, Active Blackpool will be able to support you. They work with Blackpool’s GP’s and Health Practitioners and offer a range of programmes to meet your needs.
To find out more: Visit their website https://www.activeblackpool.co.uk/exercise-referral/exercise-referral-programme/
Telephone: 01253 478007
Email: exercise.referral@blackpool.gov.uk
