A daughter’s 200-mile tribute to our specialist rehabilitation service in Hertfordshire

Hannah Stevens, a patient's daughter walked 200 miles, in honour of dad Barry, who received a specialist rehabilitation programme from CLCH, following a stroke. Hannah raised thousands for charity, in honour of the team who supported her father make an inspiring return to independence after suffering a stroke.

Barry, 63, was referred by Watford General Hospital’s Stroke Unit to CLCH’s Stroke Early Supported Discharge (ESD) team, part of the Integrated Community Stroke Services in (ICSS) in Hertfordshire. Barry presented with a significant right-sided visual field deficit that affected his balance, mobility, reading, and ability to perform tasks essential to his profession as an accountant. Barry suffered a stroke in the right occipital lobe which primarily causes vision problems, as this area of the brain processes visual input from the eyes.

Through a coordinated effort, a multidisciplinary team comprising physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dedicated rehabilitation assistants came together to design and deliver a personalised, dynamic care plan. Determined to return to work and regain his former routine, Barry embarked on an intensive six-week rehabilitation programme provided by our ESD team.

During the programme, Barry demonstrated an outstanding level of engagement, showing great motivation in completing therapeutic tasks. He regained the ability to walk outdoors independently, kick a football with a friend, prepare simple meals and drinks in the kitchen, use his laptop and return to reading, with the help of a bespoke and holistic care strategy provided by the physiotherapist and occupational therapist. His awareness of his left side significantly improved - he no longer bumped into objects or spilled drinks placed on his left.

Barry benefited greatly from the unwavering support of his family and friends. A particularly memorable moment was when his daughter, Hannah, surprised him with a personalised video message from his favourite television personality, Judge Judy. This thoughtful gesture lifted his spirits and gave him renewed energy to continue his recovery.

Safiya Matthew, Barry’s Occupational Therapist, said: "His motivation was evident from day one - he engaged fully with every task and approached his recovery with a dedication that truly inspired us all”.

By the time of discharge from the Integrated Community Stroke Service, Barry had become much more functionally independent and confident, and he continued to make progress at home.

Hannah was deeply moved by the exceptional care and unwavering support he received. Just weeks after Barry’s discharge, she embarked on a heartfelt mission to give back by organising a fundraising effort in recognition of the team’s work. She successfully completed an inspiring 200-mile march, exceeding her original goal and raising an impressive £2,260. The generous donations have been distributed among several stroke charities across the UK, creating a meaningful wave of support within the community that stood beside her.

Reflecting on her fundraiser, Hannah said: “Taking on the 200-mile march was truly one of the best things I’ve ever done. I think back to November 2024 when I first found out what had happened to my dad, feeling scared and not knowing what was next, and contrast that with the moment we crossed the 200-mile finish line together. I’m so proud to have been part of it and it is of my greatest achievements to date. 

“Thanks to the NHS and the incredible ESD team at CLCH and the dedicated people behind them, he received hope, care, and support when he needed it most. We will never forget what the team gave him. We are forever grateful to those who helped." 

Her father Barry said: "After my stroke, I was visited three times a week by Safiya, Laura and Michelle. These ladies were thoughtful, kind, and caring, making a real difference to how I felt. No question was ever too much. Despite my affected eyesight and my tendency to chat - they always showed patience and genuine care in helping me regain my independence. I can’t thank them enough. This care has continued through check-ups and appointments in the months after from the NHS.

“Hannah was visiting me daily and got to know my ‘angels’ quite well, so when she came up with a plan to fundraise to give a bit back - I was not at all surprised. She is the most caring, kind person you could meet - even if she did make me walk quite a lot with her! But just another thing she did to make other people's lives better. She is absolutely one in a million.”