Highly Commended - Learning for Better Health Award

Alan Hardie’s determination to remain positive and keep his brain active after suffering a stroke two years ago at the age of 56 is inspiring everyone who comes into contact with him.  

The stroke initially left Alan, 57, with right-sided weakness and mild speech difficulties. He continues his own therapy to counter mobility difficulties.  

He felt isolated until he joined a creative writing class for adults run by the City & County of Swansea Lifelong Learning Service at Gorseinon Library last year.  

He heard about the class from Swansea Stroke Survivors Group and says writing about his stroke and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been “extremely cathartic”.  

Alan has also suffered from PTSD for more than 30 years since attending a harrowing motorway accident as an Army Combat Medical Technician. The condition, which left him very depressed, was diagnosed by Combat Stress, the veterans’ mental health charity.  

He had previously served with the Royal Army Medical Corps, qualifying as a Senior Staff Nurse before returning to civvy street and becoming an NHS Genetic Counsellor, a job he loved until his stroke.  

“Alan’s writing is heartfelt, funny and at times heart-breaking,” said his creative writing class tutor Carolyn Jones, who nominated him.  

“He has written about his experience of having a stroke and the impact on him and on his wife, Kath. As he was reading his work to us, we were by turns laughing and crying.  

“He has had to come to terms with early retirement, something he was not expecting at this point in his life. Even on days when he doesn’t feel well, he radiates positivity and approaches each writing task with purpose. Alan is unfailingly kind and supportive to the other class members. 

” After the stroke, Alan was determined not to let negativity dominate his thoughts. “Don’t get me wrong, this was a traumatic event, but I had to accept it and move on,” he said.  

“I wanted an activity that was totally unrelated to my stroke, which would keep my mind active and move me out of isolation by meeting different people. Starting the creative writing course has normalised my life, as I now have important social interactions, new friendships and I’m learning at the same time.  

“Hopefully, one day, I can write about my stroke experience and encourage members of the Swansea Stroke Survivors Group to share their experiences as well to help others in a similar situation.” 

Nominated by:
City & County of Swansea Lifelong Learning Service

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