As Featured in The Guardian: How One Man’s Stroke Recovery Story Highlights the Power of Specialist NeuroRehab

Published: 15th May 2025

Jay had experienced a stroke that left his left arm and leg weakened. Like many stroke survivors in the UK, he had reached the end of his NHS rehab options far too early. His wife, Amanda, found our clinic and brought him to us for neurological rehabilitation. What followed was 18 months of intensive, creative, and determined work, documented recently in The Guardian.

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The Guardian Feature: A Glimpse Into Real Recovery

On 15 May 2025, The Guardian published an article highlighting Jay’s journey and the challenges many stroke survivors face in accessing long-term rehabilitation. I was honoured to be featured in this piece, which shed light not just on Jay’s story, but on the broader issue of gaps in post-stroke care.

“In 25 years of practice, Sealy has treated 4,000 patients, including the journalist Andrew Marr after his stroke.” – The Guardian

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Our Approach: Person-Centred, Purpose-Driven Rehab

From the very first session, we asked Jay: “What do you want to be able to do?”

When he answered, “Walk unaided,” we set about helping him do exactly that—with methods tailored to his body, mind, and motivations. From treadmill intervals and one-legged squats to video games played with his affected hand, every element was focused on reconnecting brain pathways and rebuilding confidence.

This is at the heart of our practice: neuroplasticity-focused rehabilitation built around each person’s goals.

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The Reality of Stroke Rehab in the UK

As highlighted in the article:

• Stroke admissions have risen by 28% over 10 years.

• 39% of patients are left without NHS rehab after six months.

• Many younger adults are now affected—a 55% rise in strokes among people in their 50s.

The need for specialist support has never been greater.

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Why Independent Neurorehab Matters

While many NHS therapists are highly skilled, the system doesn’t always allow for the time, intensity, or innovation that recovery demands. That’s why we exist—to fill that gap with specialist, one-on-one rehabilitation delivered by neurophysios and a wider neurotherapy team who understand the science and the person.

“Recovery is possible, even when others have written you off.” – Richard Sealy

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Your Next Step

If you or someone you love is recovering from a stroke, it’s never too late to make progress.

Get in touch to book a consultation or learn more about how we help people like Jay take back control.

Read the full article: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/15/husband-son-stroke-30-years-apart-treatment