Christmas 2024 proved life changing for Richard Dempster… a major stroke severely affecting the speech and mobility of someone who had been leading a super-fit life since retiring eight years earlier as co-founder of Bath Ales.

He also needed a life-saving operation on Christmas Day and has relied on a wheelchair ever since to get about.

Now, less than two years on, he is determined to walk a mile in support of local charity Bristol After Stroke to help them provide more of the help he has received during his recovery journey. 

Richard, who lives in Knowle, has already raised his initial target of £200 to go well past the £2,300 mark - a sum that will be doubled thanks to generous match funding from John James Bristol Foundation.

“The stroke came as a complete surprise,” says his partner Jane Forey. “Richard had been incredibly fit - running, cycling, mountain climbing, yoga… 

“At first, he had no movement on his right side and was also left with severe aphasia, which makes it very difficult to communicate.

“The emergency operation he had on Christmas Day saved his life, and since then it has been a long, slow recovery… a rehabilitation that will take a lifetime.

“Richard has now reached the point where he can walk several hundred yards with rests and support, and he can also manage the stairs. But while he is daunted by the challenge, he is determined to take part in Bristol After Stroke’s charity walk on 19th September and complete the one-mile route if he possibly can.”

The groups and activities that Richard has been taking part in have played a major part in the improvements he has seen to date, including being able to meet and socialise with other stroke-affected people.  It has also led on to him joining the Bristol Aphasia Choir, an activity that has improved his speech.

“The high point was him performing with the choir in Bath Abbey,” says Jane, “a really moving occasion. It’s quite remarkable how singing can break down the barriers that aphasia causes.

“Richard still gets very tired, but he will be giving everything on the day to complete the accessible one-mile course. He has been really touched by the support he has received.”

You can support Richard on his walk by going to his Just Giving page:  Jane Forey is fundraising for Bristol After Stroke

For anyone who would like to take part in the walk on 19 September there are three course options: one, three and six miles – all starting and ending in Eastville Park. Go to https://bas-charity-walk-2026.raiselysite.com/ for more details.