FOR many Christmas is a time for family, getting together with relatives and enjoying some well earned relaxation.

But for one Greenmount dad, and many of the country's 1.2 million stroke victims, doing some of the most simple but most popular festive activities, is no longer possible.

David Hiscott was a fitness fanatic father of two who exercised almost every day, ate healthily, never smoked and drank only moderately.

However in December 2017 his life was turned upside down when he had a devastating stroke.

The serious medical condition occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut off and can be fatal.

For those who survive a stroke their lives can be changed irrevocably, wiping out speech and physical abilities, and even affecting emotions and personality.

Although Mr Hiscott survived the stroke it has left him still struggling with weakness on one side of his body.

Mr Hiscott said: “Initially I was completely paralysed down my left side. I had zero balance and no feeling at all."

"I’ve made some good progress since thanks to ongoing physiotherapy, both private and through the NHS and I’ve been lucky to have great support from my family and friends."

Thanks to the "remarkable strength" and "constant support" of his wife and two daughters, 13-year-old Freya and 10-year-old Anya, Mr Hiscott is now back on the mend.

But it is at times like Christmas in particular when some of his struggles prevent him from doing things he loved to do.

He said: “As we approach the festive season, I’m still unable to do many things but I intend to keep Christmas as normal as possible for my family.

"I do need help from my girls to wrap and unwrap my presents. I always used to love carving the turkey, my role on Christmas Day, but for now that’s still a struggle and for now Christmas dinner will have to be eaten with just a fork.

"As someone who writes with my right-hand, I’m now the designated Christmas card writer.”

Mr Hiscott is now encouraging people to show some festive goodwill and support the Stroke Association's Christmas Appeal to help stroke survivors rebuild their lives.

For hundreds of thousands of stroke survivors across the country enjoying many Christmas pleasures has been made impossible.

One in five stroke survivors will not even be able to wish their loved ones and friends a "Merry Christmas" dues to problems with their communication.

Kate Charles, regional director at the Stroke Association, said: “This Christmas we want to highlight the challenges that stroke survivors face as they struggle to take part in the activities we cherish the most, from putting the Christmas Fairy on top of the tree to cooking Christmas Dinner or playing with their children and grandchildren.

“For those survivors whose stroke has left them with speech and communication difficulties, even the simple pleasure of wishing someone a Merry Christmas has been taken away.

“The Stroke Association supports more than 70,000 people as they rebuild their lives after stroke but we can’t do this alone.

"Donations to our Christmas Appeal can help more stroke survivors like David to get the vital support they need to rebuild their lives."

For more information or to donate to the appeal stroke.org.uk/gifts.