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RESCUE GREYHOUND RORY KEEPS STROKE SURVIVOR DAVE ON TRACK FOR RECOVERY

Dave Wilson turned to a four-legged friend to help him make lifestyle changes after his stroke – a rescue greyhound called Rory.

Rory helps gives Dave the motivation to exercise and improve his health, cutting the risk of a further stroke. Dave, 55, was on a caravanning holiday with his wife Gerry in Wales in September 2017 when he had his stroke. He said: “Every stroke is different. When I got home I was lucky in that I could walk, talk and use my hands, arms and legs, although not to the same extent as I could before my stroke. As a result, I started to change my life. I changed everything from diet to exercise, the whole lot. I completely overhauled my lifestyle. “Rory is just over six years old now and we’ve had him for about two and a half years. Having him has done great things for me and my wife. Walking is a wonderful experience for me as after my stroke walking was not easy. We walk every day and hit at least the 10k steps. “Getting fresh air, enjoying the sounds of birds and seeing wildlife is mentally soothing and helps stress. The exercise is great for my overall health. You need to walk a dog and this motivates me whatever the weather. My wife did a lot of research into how to prevent strokes and we changed our lives. I didn’t eat chocolate or sweets, alcohol, or anything that was fattening. I ended up losing four and a half stone as a result.”

Dave now volunteers with the Stroke Association’s Moving Forwards After Stroke programme, helping stroke survivors to become more active and live a healthy lifestyle after stroke. For more information see www.stroke.org.uk

Pet corner

Cute pet pictures – send yours to hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk

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Jane T

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Christine S

My six-year-old Springadore Brian has the biggest heart, the kindest manner and is a bundle of relentless energy! As you can see, he’s also quite partial to the odd tennis ball or two!

Sue W

Here’s my daughter Amelie with our bundle of joy, Kiera, both dressed as teddy bears.

Pauline Todd