Shannon was 27 and studying Paramedic Science when her mum, Sam, had a stroke in 2023.

Overnight, Sam went from being fit and active, to needing round-the-clock support. The eldest of eight children, Shannon put her life on hold to care for her mum and younger siblings.

‘I took six months off work and had to drop out of university. I did everything – school runs, shopping, cleaning, helping Mum wash and dress, and taking her to appointments. 

‘In those first weeks, I’d hide away from Mum so I could cry because I was so heartbroken. Me and Mum have always been like best friends. After the stroke, it felt like I lost a part of her.

‘I struggled a lot with my mental health but kept how I felt hidden. I never begrudged helping my family, but the worry, anxiety and anger built up over time. Mum was so healthy. Why did this happen to her? Will she ever recover? Will she have another stroke? Will I be looking after my brothers forever?’

Realising she needed help, Shannon rang our Stroke Support Helpline.  ‘Having someone listen and empathise during such an uncertain time brought me unexpected warmth. I sobbed a lot! The Support Line Officer was so kind and gave me the strength to carry on.

‘The Stroke Association’s social media pages are so friendly too. Hearing other families’ stories and seeing what people achieved after stroke inspired me.’

Reaching out prompted Shannon to look for ways to manage her wellbeing.  ‘I did an anxiety course at work and learned breathing techniques that I use whenever anxiety builds up. They help me daily.’

Finding time for herself is also important. ‘I enjoy walking our little dog, Chico. Being out in the open makes the day feel better.’

Looking back, Shannon wishes she’d asked for help sooner.

‘Don't suffer in silence. Make that GP appointment, speak to a friend. Don't bottle up your feelings until you want to explode like I did. If I'd sought help sooner, I’d have been in a better frame of mind for those who needed me most. It's not shameful to need help – we all need it sometimes.’

Shannon now works as an Emergency Ambulance Associate for the South Western Ambulance Service and is pursuing her ambitions again.

‘My employer has been brilliant. If I have appointments for Mum, they’ll swap my shifts. I can also take an internal route to become a paramedic whenever I’m ready. I take great pride in looking after the families of patients who’ve had a stroke. I relate to their situations and do what I can to support them.’

While learning to look after her mental health, Shannon continues to support Sam's recovery. ‘We do walking exercises to improve Mum’s balance and she can now walk short distances unaided. Mum also finds certain words difficult to say so I encourage her to repeat them to me.

‘Recovery is a slow, long road, but day by day, everything seems a little better and we’re looking forward to the future.’

Support for carers

If you’re caring for a stroke survivor, call our Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100. Or visit our carer pages to find out what practical and financial support is available to you, as well as guidance on looking after your health and wellbeing.

Stroke News magazine

This article is featured in the summer 2026 edition of our magazine, Stroke News. Subscribe to our future editions available in print, on audio CD or via email.