Stroke survivor returns to Tameside Hospital to inspire patients

Almost three years after being rushed to Tameside Hospital with a life-threatening stroke, Summer Clarke has returned, this time as a volunteer determined to give hope to others facing a similar battle.

In May 2023, Summer was a healthy and active 24-year-old, working as a flight attendant for British Airways and travelling the world. But her life changed in an instant when she was struck by agonising head pains and began violently vomiting.

She was taken to the emergency department at Tameside Hospital, where doctors discovered she had suffered a spontaneous brain haemorrhage.

The young woman was later transferred to Salford Royal Hospital, where she spent six months in intensive care. The swelling and pressure on her brain were so severe that doctors had to place her in an induced coma. Her family were warned she might have just 48 hours to live.

Against the odds, Summer survived.

After waking from her coma, she faced a new and daunting reality. She was unable to speak but remarkably, she could still sing along to her favourite songs. From there began a long and challenging road to recovery.

Following her time in intensive care, Summer spent a further five months at the Floyd Rehabilitation Unit in Rochdale, relearning how to walk, talk and regain her independence.

Now, nearly three years on, she is using her experience to help others.

Summer has taken on a voluntary role with Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, supporting stroke patients on the ward. She also volunteers with the Stroke Association.

“When I was in hospital, in between therapy there was no one else there who completely understood what I was going through,” said Summer.

“I spent six months in hospital and another five in rehab, so I have really good insight into what it’s like.

“I wanted to volunteer on the stroke ward and help patients struggling with the same issues, like problems with cognition, movement or vision.”

Summer often shows patients video footage from the earliest days of her recovery, when even the smallest tasks were a challenge, to demonstrate how far she has come and to offer reassurance that progress is possible.

“I had to learn everything again, and I still have some cognition problems, but I’m making progress every day,” she said.