Stroke Survivor Masters Stone Skimming Post-Op

Andy's life took an unexpected turn in June 2023 when he experienced a sudden stroke while working from home. Without warning, his right arm went limp, leading to a diagnosis of a fistula that required immediate intervention. He underwent a five-hour surgery, accessed through his groin, to address the condition.

His recovery journey was lengthy, involving eight days in the hospital and extensive physical therapy. With the support of his partner, Jill, and his daughter, Ellen, Andy worked on stimulating his arm and rebuilding neural pathways. He developed a "bag of tricks" to aid his rehabilitation.

Finding a renewed passion, Andy discovered the competitive world of stone skimming, a sport that also connects him to cherished memories of his late father. Despite still having limited control and sensation in his arm, he excels at the sport, with his throws reaching up to 70 meters.

Andy is now preparing to compete in the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland. He aims to demonstrate that individuals with disabilities can compete alongside able-bodied participants, challenging the stigma surrounding strokes in younger people and highlighting the diverse recovery paths survivors undertake.