Burrington stroke survivor petitions to save vital recovery service

A petition has been launched by a Burrington man in a bid to save a vital service for stroke survivors in Devon. 

Graham Devaney, 59, has been supported by the Stroke Association after suffering four strokes in two years, which left him with disabilities including muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, and speech problems.

Now, he’s fighting to protect the very service that helped him rebuild his life. 

ABOVE: Graham with his wife

The Devon Stroke Recovery Service, which has supported thousands of stroke survivors across the county, is set to close after NHS Devon and Plymouth City Council announced they would no longer fund it.

“My life has changed considerably since having my strokes,” said Graham.

He continued: “My wife Tracey was already my full time carer beforehand but since the strokes she has to do much more for me, I also have a personal assistant who comes in when my wife needs to go out, and she has to come more often since I’ve had my stroke as I can no longer be left on my own, so it has had a big impact on mine and my wife’s lives.

“The Stroke Association was there for me when I was feeling at the lowest ever.If it hadn’t been for their support, I feel that I may not even be here now.”

The Stroke Association’s service has provided essential practical, emotional, and social support to stroke survivors for almost two decades.

Each year, around 1,470 stroke survivors are referred, with more than 875 receiving intensive one-on-one help. 

Devon has one of the highest stroke prevalence rates in the UK, with over 32,000 people living with the condition.

Graham’s petition, which has gained over 1,500 signatures, calls on NHS Devon and Plymouth City Council to reverse their decision and save the service. 

He says the closure would leave thousands without crucial support, as many survivors struggle to navigate life post-stroke.

Jacqui Cuthbert, the Stroke Association’s associate director for the South West, said: “We have had to inform the 500 stroke survivors we’re currently working with that their support will end. It’s devastating for them and unthinkable for the 2,500 people every year who will be hit by stroke in the county.

“Because a stroke happens so quickly, people often leave hospital without being completely sure what's happened or why and totally unprepared for the many challenges that lie ahead.

“The cost per stroke survivor is relatively small, compared to the far greater cost to the system where people need NHS treatment for poor mental and physical health which may even lead to a second stroke, something that survivors fear the most.”

As well as signing the petition, the campaign is urging people to write to NHS Devon.

Graham’s petition can be found at https://www.change.org/SaveDevonStrokeRecoveryService