18. Write your stroke story for our next publication! Send it to Strokewatch.

19. Computers – if you can get on with computers they can be disability’s best friend – they can give you back some of the independence you’ve lost.

20. There’s no shortage of voluntary work waiting for you.

21. How about all the things you never had time for – sort out those old photos, letters, bills, videos...

22. ‘I’m teaching myself to play the organ – it helps my concentration and I enjoy the challenge’. Ron Nelson, Shattering Thoughts

23. Take up bird watching – local reserves usually have nice easy paths.

24. Invest in a towelling dressing gown for almost hands-free drying.

25 Use a clipboard to hold the paper in place while you write.

26. A bulldog clip will hold open a book, chequebook etc.

27. Disabled loos – wheelchair loos are often locked to deter vandals. Buy a RADAR key today

28. ‘One thing I’ve learnt is to take things a bit easier and take more time for everything. I’m determined not to overdo things again’.

29. Advice from physio in Stroke News 17.3 – Don’t let yourself over-compensate by over-reliance on your unaffected side.

30. Jean Medawar cared for her Nobel prize winner husband Peter Medawar after his stroke and recalled how irritated she had been with him for being so unrealistic – e.g. insisting he had to go upstairs when he could hardly even stand up – and blaming her for stopping him: ‘I gradually learnt that reason is no good. Distraction and a sense of humour are the only way’.

31. ‘Hustle! If you want or need something, the responsibility is yours to ask. Don’t wait for them to offer – they might never get round to it.’ Gail Hutson 1996

32. Trick yourself into using your stroke arm instead of your ‘good’ arm to reach things. Move the tea bag jar so that you have to reach to your affected side.

33. A stroke can make you rethink your ideas of fulfilment and what is important to you.

34. Find a walking group or set one up yourself – a great way to get some exercise and a pub lunch.

35. Got some spare time? Try adding some more suggestions to this list.