The Stroker: Danzie Stewart’’s experience of having a stroke and his fight for survival

Danzie Stewart is a local person from a Caribbean and Christian background. His father was a prominent preacher and founded one of the first black churches in Birmingham. He attended local Junior and Secondary modern schools close by and from there a Birmingham College of further education. There he gained seven O-levels, six A-levels, and the title of the great taker and a scholarship. He went on to university and to his knowledge was the first pupil from his secondary modern school to go to university. Following university he pursued a career in social work, both as a practitioner and manager, and remained in the profession for over 30 years but had to undertake early retirement because of a number of strokes. Whilst he was in good health he was heavily involved in Community work and at one stage managed several community organisations until his health declined.

Danzie Stewart falls out of bed one night attempting to stand, and realizes that he has had a stroke. His life is turned upside down. From there he undertakes a mental, intellectual and experimental journey and has a number of experiences with friends, family, hospital staff and patients as he attempts to make sense of what is happening to him. His new life takes him on a rollercoaster of mental engagements and practical experiences some of which are familiar, supporting, heart-warming, reassuring and engaging whilst others are traumatic, unexpected and threaten the very core of his being. He is forced to do a re-evaluation of himself. Yet, somehow he finds the way to come through and survive.