Magherafelt stroke survivor praises the power of gardening

A stroke survivor from County Derry was at Altnagelvin Hospital yesterday (Monday) to see firsthand a new garden designed to help other patients as part of their recovery.

Clodagh Dunlop MBE, from Magherafelt, suffered a brain stem stroke in 2015, which initially left her with locked-in syndrome. She was completely paralysed and she was only able to communicate by using her eyes.

ABOVE: Clodagh Dunlop MBE, from Magherafelt at the Altnagelvin Stroke Association garden. Picture Tom Heaney, nwnewspics

Altnagelvin Hospital’s tranquil new space has wildlife-friendly flowers and garden benches to provide a space for stroke survivors and their loved ones to rest and connect away from the hospital ward during an inpatient stay.

Stroke Association volunteers from the region have also created a bespoke pottery piece for the garden.

New information displays illustrate the experiences of stroke survivors from across the region and highlight how stroke survivors and their families can get vital support from the Stroke Association. The displays are also already at other specialist stroke units across Northern Ireland.

As part of the opening ceremony, Clodagh shared her own experience.

“After spending time in intensive care and months in a hospital ward only able to move my eyelids, the first time I was brought in my wheelchair into a garden was very emotional but uplifting for me. To feel a cool breeze on my face after the stillness of the air in my hospital bed made me feel connected to the outside world again,” she explained.

Speaking about her love for nature and its symbolic relation to stroke Clodagh continued: “There is something so amazing about nature in aiding recovery. It really anchors me. There are so many lessons to be learned about nature. Winter can be very dark and dreary and you can think we will never get through this. Then the sun always comes. I love growing perennial flowers. In the winter they die and become a brown soggy mush and you wonder how they will ever grow again but spring comes and you start to see the green pick through again. Then come the summer you start to see the glorious colours that they are capable of. I feel this is so symbolic of stroke survivors. When you have had a stroke you can feel like that brown mushy plant. You think how am I ever going to recover, how am I ever going to get better? With care and patience stroke survivors are like the plants they will start to grow and flourish. Even with disabilities it can be done. Plants aren’t perfect, they drop their leaves and insets eat them but despite not being aesthetically perfect they are still beautiful. I don’t have a perfectly functioning arm and you can see my disabilities but it doesn’t stop me living life to the fullest.”

Following her stroke, life changed considerably for Clodagh, who was a fitness fanatic.

“Before the stroke I was a massive runner. Mentally it was really difficult to come back home and think of a pastime. Walking was even difficult for me. I needed something to put that same energy into, so I found gardening to pour into. Now in my ongoing recovery, I still find joy and peace in the garden. Gardening is accessible to all abilities. I live with significant disabilities post stroke but with modifications and assistive tools I can enjoy gardening.”

Alasdair O’Hara, Northern Ireland Director at the Stroke Association, said: “Life after stroke can be daunting and we want to reach everyone as soon as possible with our support after their stroke. We are delighted to be partnering with the team at Altnagelvin to introduce new artwork with information and advice about life after stroke and the new stroke garden.

“We hope that the garden can be a peaceful space for stroke survivors and their loved ones to connect, reflect and relax outdoors while they take those first steps in their life after stroke. We also want more people affected by stroke to know that we’re here to help and support them to live physically and mentally well in the aftermath of stroke.”

Ann-Marie McIlmoyle, Stroke Service Improvement Manager at Altnagelvin Hospital added: “I am delighted our new garden, designed to help stroke patients recover, is officially open. Our Stroke Team has enjoyed working alongside Stroke Association colleagues and volunteers to support the development of the beautiful therapeutic garden, and we thank them for their ongoing commitment.

“This new space will bring immense physical and psychological benefits to our patients, giving them the opportunity to leave the clinical ward environment and enjoy the outdoors during their time in rehabilitation.”

The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their families by phone, at home, and in the community. Find out more at stroke.org.uk/northern-ireland