Darrell’s adventurous spirit sees him build strength to travel the world by train

After a stroke in 2019 left Darrell with limited movement on his left-hand side, the Brisbane resident has been slowly building strength and mobility in the hope of pursuing international travel.

Darrell, 62, who lives with his wife, Sue, and 2 adult children, recalled a series of health events in the lead up to his stroke back in 2019. Darrell’s father-in-law fell ill and passed away and his mother-in-law had a heart attack soon after and was rushed to hospital.

The day prior to his stroke, Darrell had taken his wife to hospital as she was experiencing heart palpitations. It was only when she was given the all-clear to leave, Darrell was walking back to the car when he suddenly started veering off course, not realising it was possibly the beginning of his stroke.

Attributing further signs of stroke to symptoms of other things such as diabetes, it wasn't until the early hours of the next morning that Darrell woke and was unable to stand.

Darrell spent some time at QEII Jubilee Hospital before moving to Canossa Private Hospital to start his recovery and determine his rehabilitation.

Darrell maintains a daily exercise routine by himself and a weekly exercise program with his physiotherapist, alternating with another therapist each fortnight.

He reached out to Carers Queensland in early 2020 to apply for and implement his National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding after being told about the Scheme during his time at Canossa.

He has been using his NDIS supports for a small bathroom modification, an ankle foot orthotic, physio, acupuncturist, and a gardener, to help maintain his array of organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and perennials.

Darrell has researched the importance of foods that can help in his recovery and how to repair the damage to his brain.

“I get fatigued quickly and I need to be on an amino acid type diet because they are the building blocks of the body. So, by following a Keto diet, you aid the body in repair,” Darrell said.

“The garden was my happy place before the stroke. I probably spent all weekend out there doing the hedging, mowing, pruning, planting and whatnot.

One recent success of his ongoing therapies and attention to diet has been a surprising effect on his little toe.

“Since the day of my stroke, my second little toe has been stuck underneath the second big toe,” Darrell said. “So when I walk, because they've been permanently curled, I've been in pain. And, of course, it hasn't assisted with balance.

“Well, on Christmas day, I woke up and knew something was wrong or different and I couldn't work out what it was until I stood up.

“When I put my foot on the floor, my second toe had popped out and it was flat.

“I put that down to the diet and to the acupuncturist that I see. And I give full credit to the physios that have assisted me to get some, not all, but most of my balance back.”

This support has helped Darrell increase his physical strength, balance and mobility so in the near future he can travel the world by train with his wife, which is one of Darrell's NDIS goals.

After a career in sales that took him all over the state, Darrell was forced to stop working, driving, volunteering and even attending his beloved Brisbane Lions AFL games.

“Sue's dad was a home engineer and would build five-inch gauge model trains,” Darrell said.

“He had an Indian Pacific trip (Ghan) planned but due to his illness they couldn’t go, so, they gave it to us and it was absolutely fantastic and so well organised.”

Darrell has begun taking smaller trips to test his capabilities to enable him to travel the world, by train, through countries such as Kenya, Glasgow, London, Paris, Japan and even Saigon and Canada.

But first, footy season has just started, and Darrell is a season ticket holder.

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au,  or sign up to our LAC Connect app here.