Dublin stroke survivor graduates as Patient Champion

A Dublin stroke survivor has graduated as a Patient Champion for a national heart and stroke charity.  

Denise Brady, who lives in Blackrock and had a haemorrhagic stroke in January 2017, was inspired to volunteer to help others like her.

She participated in an Irish Heart Foundation programme to help others who have suffered cardiac problems and stroke, and is now a fully-fledged Patient Champion.

“It has been wonderful to connect with stroke survivors nationwide and to receive recognition and understanding of our shared experiences,” said Denise.

The Patient Champions programme is free of charge, delivered online and accessible to patients with a heart or stroke diagnosis throughout Ireland.

It teaches heart and stroke patients about the advocacy methods and channels open to them, to try and bring about better outcomes for themselves and other patients, especially in the area of political lobbying, patient representation in healthcare, and advocating to the public.

It also aims to drive awareness of the need for donations, which helps the foundation to continue such training and to help support people who have had their lives affected by heart disease and stroke.

The latest group of Patient Champions graduated from the programme recently.

Advocacy Campaign Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, Pauline O’Shea, described people like Denise as the unsung heroes of the organisation.

“They are a terrific addition, their lived experience and desire to help others and the organisation speak out about significant issues that affect heart and stroke patients, is a powerful combination for working for positive change for patients,” she said.

“Patients no longer want their involvement in advocacy to be represented by occasions of being ‘wheeled out’ to speak and then being expected to leave the room while everyone else makes the decisions.

“They want to feel empowered, appreciated, supported and treated as equals in the room, and in partnership with patient organisations and healthcare decision makers.

“We are now recruiting for our Patient Champions Programme in 2026, and we welcome heart and stroke patients from all over Ireland to apply.”

To become a Patient Champion, visit irishheart.ie/patientchampions.

To find out more about the Irish Heart Foundation or to donate, visit irishheart.ie.