In recognition of people who continue to demonstrate their commitment to caring by providing personal care and emotional support for a stroke survivor.

Winner – Jean Fieldsend, Oswestry, Shropshire

Jean cares for Jim Fieldsend, who had a stroke aged 48. Jim’s stroke was severe, leaving him as a wheelchair user with very limited mobility in his left side. In 1991 Jean started to visit Jim after his stroke. After a long period in hospital he then lived at two Leonard Cheshire nursing homes for several years before moving into Jean’s home, which she runs as a guest house. Despite knowing all the practical and emotional difficulties that she would face, Jean told Jim that she would marry him if he learned to stand up at the altar! Over 18 months, Jean encouraged Jim in his rehabilitation until he could stand and even take a step or two. In August 2002 Jean and Jim were married, and Jean and has cared for him ever since.

Jean has structured her life around giving Jim his life back and devotes many hours every day to caring for him. She built and furnished an extension apartment for Jim, designed specifically for his needs. Jean has also built railings in the garden for him to practise walking and put a wheelchair-friendly path through the garden so he can go out shopping. Through intensive physiotherapy and daily exercise Jean has helped Jim to regain a great deal of mobility in his legs, and he is now able to stand and take a few steps with a walking frame.

Jean arranges for Jim to attend woodwork classes, sailing trips and college. As a keen Sheffield United supporter, Jean also ensures that Jim sees regular matches. She also takes him to family events and away on holidays. Jean continues to run her own business as well as caring for Jim, giving him a full and enriching life. She deserves recognition for her overwhelmingly positive attitude and for refusing to ever give up.