Publish date: 13 February 2026
Almost three years ago, Summer Clarke was rushed to Tameside Hospital after a life-threatening stroke. Now, she has returned to the hospital as a volunteer, hoping to inspire other patients.
As a healthy 24-year-old, Summer lived a busy and active life, working as a flight attendant for British Airways. Everything changed in May 2023, when Summer was struck by severe head pains and became violently sick. She was taken to Tameside Hospital’s emergency department, where doctors discovered the cause: a spontaneous brain haemorrhage.
Summer went on to spend six months in the intensive care unit at Salford Royal Hospital, followed by a five-month stint in the Floyd Rehabilitation Unit in Rochdale. The pressure on Summer’s brain meant she had had to be put into an induced coma, and her family were warned that she may only have 48 hours to live.
Despite the odds, Summer survived. She awoke to find that she couldn’t speak, but was able to sing along to her favourite songs. Gradually, with a whole lot of determination, she regained her ability to walk and talk.
Now, Summer wants to give something back by helping others facing a similar road to recovery. On top of volunteering with the Stroke Association, she recently started a new voluntary role with Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, where she can share her story with other stroke survivors.
“When I was in hospital, in between therapy there was no one else there who completely understood what I was going through,” says Summer.
“I spent six months in hospital and another five in rehab, so I have really good insight into what it’s like.
“I wanted to volunteer on the stroke ward and help patients struggling with the same issues, like problems with cognition, movement or vision.”
Summer likes to show people video footage from the very start of her recovery journey, to demonstrate just how far she has come and show others that recovery is possible for them too.
“I had to learn everything again, and I still have some cognition problems, but I’m making progress every day,” Summer says.
Further information about volunteering at Tameside Hospital:
Tameside and Glossop IC NHS FT are looking for dedicated people to join our team as a patient experience volunteer. This role focuses on providing companionship and support to patients to help enhance their wellbeing.
Anyone aged 16 years or above and able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of four hours per week for at least four months is welcome to apply.
Find more information and apply.
Further information about stroke:
Around 100,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. That’s around one stroke every five minutes.
Call 999 immediately if you or someone else shows symptoms of a stroke or brain haemorrhage, including a sudden, severe headache, struggling to smile (Face) or raise an arm (Arms), or slurring their words (Speech).
Taking immediate action can help save lives. Act FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time).
