MPs of all parties paid tribute to Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, in a recent debate about Government policy on Stroke Patients. Ben Bradshaw, a Government Health Minister who took part in the debate, labelled Mr Turner’s contribution as a “moving and effective testimony”. Mark Williams, the Liberal Democrat MP for Ceridigion in Wales, said that following a very personal speech from Mr Turner, “the test of time will show that he has been an inspiration to many thousands of people who have had the same experience”.
During the debate Mr Turner outlined how he had battled back to health following his stroke almost two years ago. He told the House how at first he had not been able to walk properly and kept bumping into things, and how he had to relearn even basic words from flash cards.
He went on to praise not only the staff of St Mary’s but also voluntary organisations such as the Stroke Association, Different Strokes and the IW Stroke Club and the many Islanders who had helped him get over his illness saying that
“Sometimes I still cannot find the exact word that I need when I need it. If that ever gets me down, I think of the blindness overcome by the right hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) or the silent world of Lord Ashley, who was so effective despite being completely deaf”. He also told the House how he now needs to use notes when giving speeches and went on to say, “My plea is for everyone to recognise and applaud the work that the charitable organisations do in helping people on the road to recovery. The support that they give can improve confidence and independence. It can overcome isolation and depression and improve communication skills.” He finished his speech by saying, “I would never have chosen to have a stroke; however, I have learned a great deal from it. I hope that I can use that knowledge to bring an extra dimension to my life.”
Speaking after the debate Mr Turner, whose parliamentary colleague Mark Simmonds described the speech as “exceptional and inspirational” said:
“I was very touched by the kind words from MPs of other parties, as well as my own. I am lucky enough to have recovered well from my stroke, and my risk of having another is lower than that of many other people of a similar age. Not everyone is so fortunate but I wanted to make it clear that it was the voluntary organisations and kind people who were willing just to talk to me, who helped me just as much as the medical profession. I wanted to bring that aspect to the attention of the Government.”
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The full debate can be found at :
http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm081118/halltext/81118h0001.htm#08111869000001
