Craig Lockett and Stoke City Stroke Peer Support and Stroke Wellbeing groups – Carer of the Year and Community Group of the Year nomination
Craig Lockett and Stoke City Stroke Peer Support and Stroke Wellbeing groups – Carer of the Year and Community Group of the Year nomination
Craig Lockett was left disabled after three strokes but now he’s working for Stoke City Football Club and making a massive difference to the lives of fellow stroke survivors.
The 51-year-old, from Meir, is a football development and sports coach with Stoke City Foundation, where he set up a stroke peer support and stroke wellbeing groups after talking to The Stroke Association about the need for more support groups in the city.
Craig is able to share his lived experience and lead conversations, games and physical activities for up to 20 stroke survivors at each session.
He has been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards and the groups he runs have been nominated in the Community Group of the Year category.
One nominator said: “In 2024 my mum was diagnosed with a stroke though a brain scan. I really didn’t know where to go for support. The Stroke Association told us about Stoke City Foundation’s stroke wellbeing group. We went for a visit, so my mum could see what it was like. She absolutely loved it.
“They not only supported my mum they also support the family and to be very honest I really don’t know how I would have got through all of the stroke recovery with my mum if it wasn’t for this group. They honestly deserve this award for all the support they give to stroke recovery patients and the families. I really can’t thank them enough for everything that they have done for my family and the hard work they all put into this group.”
Another nominator said: “Craig is an amazing support to others. He never judges anyone and will always try to help. He gives others the strength to try different things even when they think that they can’t do it.
“The group he runs has given my husband and myself a much-needed purpose and without this group stroke survivors would have very little. Craig praises everyone and he is very passionate about his group. He is a wonderful, caring man.”
A third person said: “Craig does it because he truly believes he can help and gives all the participants belief they can conquer everything in their recovery. The group has gone from strength to strength now running weekly for one hour on a Friday and a two hour session the first Friday of every month.
“The stories of success are impactful. People returning to work and gaining social confidence. It’s truly amazing.”
Craig said: “My first stroke in 2018 left me disabled and I was out of action for five years before I could work again. I got the job at Stoke City and after speaking to the Stroke Association we get up support groups. We have anything from 15 to 20 people at each session but we’re only scratching the surface of the number of people having a stroke in Stoke-on-Trent.
“This is a massive thing for me. I’m a big advocate for making sure people have the best care possible.
“I’ve got to show these people that anything is possible. I’ve got lived experience and they can relate to me.”
He added: “It’s humbling to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award. I’m doing this to improve the quality of people’s lives and ensure they stay active because if you’re not active that’s when you start getting depressed.”