Meet Aaron Davies from Aberdare, whose life took an unimaginable turn one Christmas Day. At just 28, Aaron’s everyday routine, which heavily involved alcohol, led to a life-altering event—a stroke that saw him lying alone and unconscious in his room for two days.
The last flickers of memory from that day include drinking pink gin and watching “Doctor Sleep”. It wasn’t until a week later, after regaining consciousness, that Aaron began piecing together what had happened. Initially bewildered, thinking it was just a nasty hangover, reality hit when he learned that his excessive drinking had caused a stroke, leading to a blood clot in his brain.
Emergency responders were amazed he survived. Aaron spent three challenging months in hospital relearning how to walk, talk, and claim his independence. Though his mobility was severely compromised, he gradually adapted to life with a walker or stick, turning his recovery into a mission.
Labeling his stroke a “blessing in disguise,” Aaron has tackled his alcoholism head-on. Describing his journey as liberating, he says the thought of returning to drinking just doesn’t cross his mind anymore. Instead, he’s channeled his energy into a TikTok page, @whatstroke, to document his recovery and inspire others. His videos reveal his progress, charting improvements in speech and his determined workouts at home.
Aaron’s journey hasn’t been solitary. He’s found comfort and camaraderie in support groups and a local Men’s Group in Aberdare. Here, he surrounds himself with individuals who understand and uplift. The friendships forged in these spaces provide a vital lifeline, a realm where he’s free from judgment, where genuine connections thrive.
In an awe-inspiring feat of strength, Aaron recently climbed Pen y Fan, marking a personal triumph and raising awareness for the Stroke Association and men’s mental health initiatives. Not stopping there, he’s set his sights on conquering Snowdon next.
Aaron’s tale is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. His goal is to inspire others, showing that recovery and reinvention are possible. He dreams of becoming a motivational speaker, sharing his message far and wide. Aaron’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit.