Making Waves for Stroke Patients

A stroke specialist and physiotherapist swapped the ward for the open water as they try to raise as much money as possible, to brighten the days of patients and their families.

University Hospital of North Durham doctor Gemma Smith and physiotherapist Lesley Charman took part in the Great North Swim, in Windermere, in the Lake District, on Sunday June 14.

Gemma is a consultant in elderly care and stroke and the duo aim to raise at least £1,000 with the one-mile swim which they hope will be spent on furnishing a comfortable hospital quiet room for patients and their families.

“Lesley does a lot of outdoor activities and got me into swimming,” said Gemma, who moved to the North East to train and has been with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust since 2017.

“I saw a sign for the Great North Swim and am really excited about it. I did the Great North Run in 2003, and I remember how fantastic the camaraderie was. So, we will see how much money we can raise.”

Funds will be used to improve conditions for patients and their families on Ward 4 at Bishop Auckland Hospital and Ward 2 at University Hospital of North Durham.

“Stroke is a devastating thing, life-limiting, often brings profound disabilities and leads to some very difficult conversations with relatives,” Gemma said.

“We bring them into a room to talk but it needs much more comfortable surroundings, perhaps artwork for the walls, to improve conditions at one of the most difficult times of their lives. We may also replace the old bingo set for the occupational therapists.”

Gemma has been on a 12-week training programme and has swum since she was a child but doesn’t plan to break any records.

“My husband Andrew is a keen swimmer, he used to swim for county, but he laughs at my technique,” she said.

“I am very slow; in fact, I was once asked to move from the medium to the slow lane by a lifeguard. One time when I was swimming outdoors, I was overtaken by my own tow float!”

She praised staff for their support.

“Stroke is so multi-disciplinary, and the support has come from right across the Trust, even staff who have left and some patients, and the Stroke Association, which is amazing.

“I fell in love with working with stroke patients after being on a placement. It is very fast paced as it’s time dependent. The quicker we can act the more we can prevent disability. Then it moves into a phase similar to elderly care and it is lovely to see patients come out of the other end and hear about their little triumphs. We are there to help people, so it doesn’t take over their lives.”

Charity Manager Rich Jones added: “"We are incredibly grateful to Gemma and Lesley for taking on the Great North Swim in support of our stroke services. As a consultant and physio working closely with patients and their families every day, they understand how important it is to provide comfortable, welcoming spaces during some of the most difficult moments people face.

"The funds Gemma and Lesley raise will help us improve facilities on our stroke wards, creating environments that offer greater comfort, privacy and dignity for patients and their loved ones. We’d also like to thank everyone who has supported their fundraising efforts so far."

Gemma added: “I did the swim in 1 hour and six minutes and Lesley managed it in 51 minutes! It was a great event, such a lovely atmosphere. Our fundraising is sitting around £1600 at the moment which is fantastic.”

Anyone wanting to support Gemma and Lesley can visit their fundraising page.