“At 36, I never imagined I would have to learn how to use my own body again”: Funds raised for Rugby borough stroke survivor

Ryan Cooke is hoping to study pharmacy and give something back to the NHS and the healthcare system who helped him.

Without warning, he suffered a stroke in June 2025.

Ryan, 36, said: “Before that day, I was independent. I worked, made plans for my future and took for granted the simple things that most of us never have to think about.

“I never imagined I would have to learn how to use my own body again.”

Ryan’s had to learn how to walk, use his hands and get dressed by himself.

"Ordinary things became challenges overnight,” he said.

"I spent around ten weeks in hospital. When I eventually came home, I realised that leaving hospital wasn't the end of my recovery. It was the beginning of a completely different journey.”

The stroke has left Ryan with significant difficulties with movement and strength, particularly affecting his left arm and hand.

Ryan went on: “Things that once happened automatically now require concentration, repetition, patience and determination.

"A movement that might look tiny to somebody else can represent weeks or months of rehabilitation for me. That's what recovery has taught me: progress isn't always dramatic.”

He said stroke recovery doesn't simply end when you leave hospital.

“I need ongoing rehabilitation to continue working on movement, strength, coordination and independence,” Ryan said.

"That includes physiotherapy, specialist neurological rehabilitation, targeted treatments and equipment and technology that can support my recovery.

"The difficulty is that the consistent and intensive rehabilitation I need isn't always available through standard services, while specialist and private rehabilitation can be extremely expensive. At the same time, the stroke has affected my ability to work and support myself financially.”

Ryan has launched a £50,000 fundraising appeal to help him get his independence back.

“That is incredibly difficult for me,” he said.

"But giving up would be even harder.”

Funds raised will help towards: ongoing physiotherapy and neurological rehabilitation; specialist rehabilitation treatments; equipment and technology to support movement and recovery; travel to rehabilitation and medical appointments and other essential rehabilitation-related costs.

Ryan said: “I still want to pursue my ambition of studying medicine.

“Going through a serious illness has given me a perspective on patients, rehabilitation and the NHS that I could never have learned from a textbook.

“I know what it feels like to be a patient. I know what it feels like to depend on other people for things you once did without thinking. And I know how important compassionate healthcare and rehabilitation can be.

“If I eventually have the opportunity to turn what happened to me into something positive by helping other people facing illness and disability, I will.

“But right now, my priority is recovery. This is where I need your help. I know times are difficult for many people. I also know that not everyone can afford to donate, and I completely understand that.

“If you can contribute, even a small amount, it will help me continue accessing the rehabilitation I need.”

The fundraising link is https://www.gofundme.com/f/long-rehab-journey-post-stroke