A STROKE survivor’s wife today welcomed a new support scheme as she told how the illness affects lives.

A project has been set up to help stroke victims and their families after £312,000 was awarded to Dorset County Council to fund the Department of Health’s National Stroke Strategy in Dorset.

The council is working with NHS Dorset and the Stroke Association.

The funds have helped to appoint three new co-ordinators to tell family members what help is available, recruit volunteers and check what other support is needed.

Jackie Sherfield, of Middle-marsh Street, Dorchester, gave up her job as an NHS manager after her husband John suffered his third stroke.

She said: “Having a stroke is the most devastating thing that can happen to somebody.

“Some people are paralysed but no two people are affected in the same way.

“It’s not like a heart attack where there is some good recovery with treatment.

“A stroke attacks the brain and a third of those who suffer a stroke die quite quickly.”

Mr Sherfield, 63, a former university lecturer, has vascular dementia – causing memory, concentration and communication problems.

The couple had to move home as the stairs in their previous house were too narrow and steep.

Mrs Sherfield, 66, who helps run the Dorchester Social Stroke Club, believes the co-ordinators can give invaluable guidance on what aids will help to make life easier around the home.

She said “After a heart attack you can live a similar life to the one you led before but after a stroke you are a totally different person as you are living with a major disability and your home becomes a different place.

“John now can’t do anything.

“He can’t go to the bathroom or get out of bed on his own and he couldn’t pass me a book if I asked him to.

“But if you saw him sitting in a chair you would have no idea.

“He’s lost his personality so he’s not the person he used to be.

“He’s gone from being the life and soul of the party to someone who would not say boo to a goose.

“He can speak but can’t articulate what he wants to say to gather a sentence.”

But Mrs Sherfield says with help survivors can recover the ability to do some of the things they used to do.

Alison Waller, county council strategic commissioning manager, said: “We are delighted about the arrival of our stroke co-ordinators who will provide vital long-term support, helping people affected by strokes to lead normal lives within their community.”

Denis Elkin, associate director for NHS Dorset, is leading the programme.

He said: “We welcome the appointment of co-ordinators who will be important in helping people return to normal living.”