‘My name is Dajan, and at 24, I was living a life many people dream of. I had great family and friends, a job I loved, and I was always on the go – travelling, meeting people, working on new ideas. I didn’t think anything could stop me. 

Then, in September 2023, everything changed. 

I was in a meeting at work when my phone slipped out of my hand. I went to pick it up, but I couldn’t move my arm. At first, I thought it had just gone numb.

I didn’t want to make a fuss, so I stayed quiet. But then I tried to speak – and nothing came out. 

When they said it might be a stroke, I was shocked. I thought, ‘surely not me? I’m young.’ Losing your speech is terrifying –  it feels like losing a part of who you are. 

Recovery

I recovered well physically, but psychologically, that’s where the real challenge began. The most difficult part of recovery for me was mentally… I didn’t want there to be a reason for the stroke, because that meant something was wrong. 

I became hyper-aware of everything my body was doing. Things that would have felt normal before… I’d now be thinking, ‘could this be the beginning of another stroke?’ 

After leaving hospital, it can feel like you’re expected to just get on with things, even though your mind is still trying to process what’s happened. 

Over time, I started to rebuild my confidence – getting back into my routine, working and travelling again. I began to look at my stroke as a chapter in my story, rather than my whole story. 

That’s why volunteering means so much to me now. 

Weekly volunteer calls

I support other stroke survivors through the Stroke Association’s Weekly Volunteer Calls telephone service. 

It felt really rewarding going from receiving support to giving it… having been through the same challenge, you can really connect with people on a deeper level. 

Sometimes, it’s simply about being there. 

Emotional support

One caller I supported didn’t feel like anyone around them could relate… but through the calls, they felt at ease speaking to someone who had been through the same situation. 

That’s what matters - helping people feel less alone. 

It definitely helps someone through their recovery. It’s a reminder of how bright their future can be even after stroke. 

From my experience, recovery isn’t just physical. Emotional support plays a huge part in helping you move forward and engage with life again – and volunteers are a key part of that, offering that human connection. 

I’m really honoured to be volunteering. If I can make someone feel even a little bit better, it’s worth it.  

My advice? Be kind to yourself. It may take time, but there is a bright future ahead. Don’t be afraid to speak – there’s strength in sharing.

Become a volunteer

Our incredible volunteers play an essential role in the recovery of stroke survivors. Find out all the different ways you can support people to rebuild their lives after stroke.

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