VOLUNTEERING has made a real difference to stroke victim Pat Sweetingham – and she is delighted that it has helped her to make a difference to people’s lives too.

It was eight years ago, when she was only 40, that Pat suffered a severe stroke. It was so serious that it left her in a coma for a week and she spent four months in total being treated at Basingstoke and Southamp-ton General hospitals.

Despite pulling through and being discharged in October 2003, the nightmare wasn’t over. With three young children aged five, nine and 12, she struggled to cope.

The stroke left her with severe right-sided weakness and expressive dysphasia, a condition which leaves sufferers unable to communicate fully and lost for words, despite being fully able to understand what is being said to them.

Pat had to relearn many of the basic skill that other take for granted, such as walking up stairs, talking, cooking and ironing.

Now 48, Pat, of Itchen Close, Oakley, said: “It was a very hard time for me and my family. My husband Ian had to do a lot for me and it was a real struggle. But my story has a happy ending – I’m still here.”

Pat has now made a remarkable recovery. Although she is not able to drive or work, she is mobile, and despite slight right-sided weakness, is able to carry out most day-to-day tasks.

The former policewoman’s progress is thanks in part to her own volunteering work with other people who have suffered strokes She has been volunteering for the Stroke Association for around a year, meeting up with other affected people and helping them, simply through talking and providing emotional support.

She said: “When I was in the early stages of recovery, I was helped a lot by people talking to me and getting the chance to just chat.

“It makes a huge difference and it’s good to talk. Now, because I wasn’t able to talk before, I don’t stop. I talk to everyone I meet and I’ve improved a lot. Volunteering does make me feel like I’m making a difference.”

Pat volunteers for the Stroke Association at Carnival Hall, Council Road, Basingstoke, two days a week. More information on The Stroke Association, and volunteering for the charity, can be found at stroke.org.uk.