A new podcast, which aims to help stroke survivors and their families to adjust to life after a stroke, has been launched.

The Strokecast is hosted by radio DJ and producer, Gerry Stevens, who himself suffered a stroke in 2017. He spent a total of four months in hospital and underwent 18 months of physiotherapy on his arm and hand.

"I'd been leading an active and busy life as a radio host and managing a band, but one evening I felt unwell, and when I turned to my partner, she could see that one side of my face had completely dropped. Fortunately, I was able to receive treatment relatively quickly, but after suffering a stroke, my life was changed forever," he explained.

The podcast draws on Mr Stevens' own experiences, as well as those of his guests. It aims to provide an insight into what it is like to suffer a stroke, what the long-term physical and mental effects are, and how to cope with, and adjust to, life after a stroke.

Guests on the show include:
-A jujitsu, kickboxing champion and MMA fighter who suffered a stroke at the age of just 23
-A man with a young family who suffered two strokes in the space of three months and who lost the sight in his left eye as a result of the second stroke
-A mother of three young children who suffered a stroke while pregnant and undergoing cancer treatment at the time
-An occupational therapist who works with stroke patients every day, who herself suffered a stroke
-A senior clinical nurse specialising in stroke care.

"I hope that the stories and experiences shared by my guests will help others understand that stroke can affect anyone, no matter their age or other circumstances. The podcast also gives a vivid understanding of what stroke survivors go through, and gives hope to those on the road to recovery that they're not alone in what they're experiencing," Mr Stevens said.

Episodes of The Strokecast will be available here.