Read Fly's story from our Autumn Appeal 2023
and help us support thousands of Kiwis affected by stroke:
Fly Boyes, 53, a ski resort shuttle driver from Wānaka, woke up one morning and he found he could barely stand.
Tell us about your stroke.
“I was like a spaghetti man. I felt dizzy and I couldn’t walk. I called my physiotherapist who diagnosed me with stroke.
“They sent me down to the acute ward in Dunedin. I stayed there for a few days before they sent me home.”
What happened when you got out of the hospital?
“I’ve spent the past four and a half months resting. I’ve been trying to get a bit of exercise here and there. I’ve been walking lots, riding my bike. I’ve been in no pain, but I’m foggy.”
How have you found the support following your stroke?
“My doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists were great, and the support I received from the Stroke Foundation was wonderful.
“But the whole work and income thing is where the system falls down. I’ve saved a little bit of money for retirement, and I guess that’s what I need to use. I feel grateful that I’m able to look after myself, but I would have thought – at the very least – I would have received some sickness benefit.
“I’m not angry but it’s not ideal. I’m lucky I don’t own a business or have children, but do those people get help financially? I don’t know…”
How are you making ends meet?
“My partner has been a wonderful support, but we’ve never really had those financial conversations before. Like many people, we just went with the flow.
“Suddenly, they need to step up through no fault of their own. It’s hard to know how much to ask for or how much you want to lean on the other person financially.
“It’s difficult for some people to have those conversations, particularly men. There’s that stubbornness there. They can be too proud to ask for help.”
“My doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists were great, and the support I received from the Stroke Foundation was wonderful.”
Fly Boyes
Are you concerned about returning to work?
“I’m lucky enough to have been offered work on the mountain for winter.
“I’m not going to be driving a bus for some time, but I have lots of other skills. They are going to create a new role for me – coordinating the shuttles and greeting guests.”
How are you doing now?
“I’m grateful. I’m on my balcony in downtown Wānaka with a view over the mountains. We have 27 degrees coming today. Woe is me!”
Thank you, Fly, for sharing your story with us!
Click below to read our Autumn newsletter, and support thousands of Kiwis affected by stroke – like Fly – by making a donation today!
