When Jacqueline Gregory went on a day out with her family on August 16, 2020, she had no idea that a catastrophic event was about to change her life.
The Bishopton gran's world turned upside down when she suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which is bleeding in the space that surrounds the brain.
It is an uncommon type of massive stroke and can often be fatal, with around 25% of patients with the condition dying within 24 hours with or without medical attention.
Hospitalised patients have an average mortality rate of 40% in the first month.
Jacqueline underwent a major operation to treat the haemorrhage and, after leaving hospital two and a half weeks later, found herself walking with a stick and wearing prism glasses to help with her double vision.
The 61-year-old told The Gazette: "I remember going to the shops with my daughter and feeling mortified, I was so embarrassed.
"Even though I have underlying health conditions, it was the first time everyone could see that I had something wrong with me.
"It took two years for me to get the help that I needed."
It was a difficult time for all of Jacqueline's family, as her moods were erratic and she was frustrated by the position she found herself in.
After two years of having no formal support, Jacqueline went to her rheumatologist at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and she finally got a referral to Quarrier's Renfrewshire Head Injury Service (RHIS).
Soon afterwards, two team members came out to speak to Jacqueline at her home and explain to her what services they offer and how they could help.
Jacqueline said: "They came to visit me, and then I went in to see them regularly in their Paisley office.
"It was like a course; they were showing me what had happened to me and why my body was acting the way it was. It helped me understand what had happened.
"I have trouble remembering some things from right after the stroke. That's why it was so good to have Margaret and Ann from RHIS there to help explain things to me.
"I needed them to explain to me why couldn't I, why can't I, why didn't I, why did it happen, why don't I remember all those early days? They were able to explain everything."
Jacqueline is a member of The Sunshine Club, a weekly social group set up by RHIS for people who have experienced an acquired brain injury.
The group has given her a wider circle of friends and she enjoys the camaraderie the club gives her.
Jacqueline said: "Now I go every fortnight to The Sunshine Club, which is a club that is run by the clients of the service and the staff help organise it.
"I've not been going that long. But there is good banter and everyone there has been in the same situation as me.
"There are quizzes, speakers, drumming sessions, art classes, all sorts of activities and there is a trip coming up for everyone who goes."
Jacqueline is also back at her beloved St Mirren Netball Club, sadly not on the court at the high level of years gone by – even though she would love to – but as the club secretary.
The role keeps her involved and she has many friends who look out for her, as they know her limitations.
Jacqueline said: "If people look at me, they don't have a clue about my illnesses because I'm not one to go on about them. You get one life, you get what you get, and you just have to get on with it.
"If I met someone in my situation who was struggling to get help, I would recommend they contact the Quarriers RHIS, it has helped me a lot and being a part of The Sunshine Club continues to do that. They also offer a Walking Club too."
Jacqueline's daughter Kayleigh Morgan has signed up to run the Paisley 10k on Sunday, August 20, to raise funds for the service that has helped her mum.
Margaret McIntyre, project manager of RHIS, said: "Family members are often a crucial asset of a loved one's rehabilitation and they alongside the person with the brain injury should receive ongoing support after discharge from hospital.
"At RHIS, we provide a designated keyworker to the person with the brain injury and family members in order to meet their individual support needs.
"We would like to thank Kayleigh for fundraising for us. We run a few groups within the service, for adults and children, and the money will be going towards them.
"Our groups are very important to our clients, some say it's their lifeline, and helps with isolation."
For more information about RHIS and the services on offer, call 0141 848 1701 or visit bit.ly/3OkNxoW.
To support Kayleigh's fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/page/kayleigh-morgan-1683727173358.
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