“What I want to do as a volunteer is encourage people to get back to themselves.” Douglas’ Volunteering Story

Douglas Tierney is 65 and lives in Edinburgh with his wife, Mary, for whom he is a full-time carer. Douglas had a stroke in March 2024 and has been so determined to make a good recovery that the NHS has asked him to be a motivational speaker for occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Now Douglas is training to be a volunteer with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland to offer help and support to others recovering from stroke.

In a career spent in sales, Douglas Tierney knew all about motivation and drive. Those were qualities he needed in abundance when he suddenly had a stroke. 

The stroke left him with no movement on his left side and slurred speech. But Douglas was determined to recover – and to recover well – because he knew his wife Mary, for whom he is a full-time carer, depended on him. 

Ready for the next challenge

Now, just nine months on from the stroke, Douglas, who lives in Edinburgh, has thrown away his walking stick, is going to the gym three times a week and is back playing his beloved golf. 

And he’s ready to use the motivational skills and determination that astounded his doctors by helping other stroke survivors as a volunteer with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. 

Douglas, 65, said: “Before I had the stroke, I’d won the championship golfer at my club, but I was in hospital for the prizegiving. My friend picked up the trophy for me and brought it to hospital so I could see it and use that as a motivation to get back out on the course. 

“At the time I couldn’t move my left arm or leg. But I was determined to get back my movement, and now I’m playing golf again. I’m lifting weights at the gym and I’m swimming every week. 

“What I want to do as a volunteer is encourage people to do what they need to do to get back to themselves. My philosophy was always that if the occupational therapists and physios were putting 100 percent into me and my recovery, then I should do the same. 

Douglas’ rehab journey

Douglas was so focused on recovering his movement that his daily regime of exercises so impressed the consultant at the stroke rehabilitation ward at Edinburgh’s Western General that he’s been asked to talk to therapists and physios about his methods. 

He made a chart up of the eight different activities the occupational therapist gave him to do every day, including touching all his fingers with his thumbs and lifting his arms above his head. Then, once back in his own room, he diligently did all eight 25 times, three times a day. 

Using his phone, he captured the moment one finger on his left hand began to move, sending the video to Mary. By the time she arrived to see him in hospital a couple of hours later, Douglas was lifting his previously inert left arm above his head. 

While he has mostly recovered well from the stroke, Douglas does still have some issues with shakiness in his left hand, and stroke fatigue that means he needs to rest in the afternoon. 

He said: “Those are small in the grand scheme of things, and I can handle a shaky hand. I had so much support and encouragement from Mary and from friends that helped push me on. 

“I’ve just started my training with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, and I want to be able to give that kind of support to other people and encourage them in their recovery.” 

Inspired? Find out more about volunteering opportunities with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

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